•B 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


ECHOES 


Mrs.    M.    A.. 


HARTFORD : 
PRESS  OF  CASE,  LOCKWOOD  &  CO. 

1867. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1867, 

BY  MRS.  M.  A.  ARCHER, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  Connecticut. 


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'03? 


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Talisman,  a  Coat    of  .A-rms,    an  Open  Sesame 
to    tlie    conficlenoe    of  the    \visely    good, 

permit    me    to    set    your    dear 

name    as    a   seal    to    my   labors,    nay 

kindest    and.   best   friend, 


623; 


"Be  sure  no  earnest  work 
Of  any  honest  creature,  howbeit  weak, 
Imperfect,  ill-adapted,  fails  so  much, 
It  is  not  gathered  as  a  grain  of  sand 
To  enlarge  the  sum  of  human  action,  used 

For  carrying  out  God's  end." 

— BROWNING. 

Not  as  an  umpire,  deciding  what  should  be ;  but  as  a  faithful  scribe 
giving  expression  to  what  is. 

The  agitating  of  thought,   the  conflicting  of  opinions,  evoke  the 
bracing  breezes  that  purify  and  invigorate  the  atmosphere  of  the  mind. 


PREFACE. 


THE  history  of  this  little  work,  and  its  introduc 
tion  to  the  public  by  subscription,  is  in  itself  a  poem 
grandly  beautiful.  Traced  in  glowing  lines  of  ten- 
derest  sympathies,  Christ-like  charities  and  spiritual 
appreciation.  A  child  of  sorrow,*  suffering  in  body, 
despondent  in  mind,  sadly  deficient  in  self-reliant 
courage,  yet  not  disobedient  to  Heavenly  visions,  and 
eagerly  earnest  to  lead  other  grievers  to  a  newly- 
discovered  ,  fountain  of  consolation  and  delight, 
reaches  trustingly  upward  to  the  hand  of  a  Higher 
Guide,  and  commits  herself  to  the  tender  mercies  of 
strangers. 

Wonderful  surprise !  The  way  grows  bright  with 
the  blooms  of  kindly  deeds  ;  redolent  with  generous 
trust ;  and  smooth  with  philanthropic  aid.  Far  too 
numerous. the  benefactions  to  admit  of  mention,  yet 
I  cannot  forbear  honoring  these  humble  pages  by 
these  few  names,  as  "bright  particular  stars"  in  the 
galaxy  of  kindness.  The  Hon's  Ashley  Stone,  Par 
ley  Starr,  Pet.  Holbrook,  Dr.  E.  B.  Holden,  Mrs. 


.fi 

Nellie  Temple  Brigham,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  A.  Wills, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hirain  Stebbins, — and  last,  but  not 
least,  Dr.  J.  G.  Holland,  for  his  kindly  introduction 
to  the  public. 

If  the  work-  has  any  merit,  it  consists  in  its  strict 
adherence  to  real  life,  each  waif  having  a  private 
history  founded  upon  fact.  And  while  the  artistic 
critic  will  find  much  to  condemn,  the  common  heart 
of  sorrowing  humanity  may  find  many  an  answering 
tone  that  will  soothe,  comfort  and  sustain.  Ye  shin 
ing  friends,  who  have  so  faithfully  fulfilled  your 
promises  to  me^  alike  redeem  this  one  pledge  more, 
to  repay  a  hundred  fold  the  least  and  last  who  have 
bid  me  God-speed  in  my  labors. 

"While  passing  through  unexpected  delays  in  the 
issue  of  this  little  work,  the  author  finds  an  accu 
mulation  of  manuscript  sufficient  to  complete  another 
volume ;  and  those  dear  friends  who  will  look  with 
disappointment  for  the  fulfillment  of  a  desire  in  this, 
will  find  it  hereafter,  with  the  added  vigor  and  more 
elaborate  skill  that  health  and  experience  gives.  For 
the  truth  of  the  little  histories  told  Dy  the  plates, 
refer  to  John  Robinson,  Lynn,  Mass.,  I.  M.  French, 
Willimantic,  Conn.,  and  Capt.  Marcy,  Meriden,  Conn. 
A  second  volume  will  have  a  fuller  collection  of  such 
portraits. 

M.  A.  A. 


CONTENTS: 


Echoes, .*. 11 

What  the  Birds  said, 14 

Tantalus, 17 

Kindness, 19 

United, 21 

One  we  Know, 22 

Rosa  Mclntire, 23 

Lamoille, 26 

Dedication, 28 

My  Spirit  calls  to  thine, 29 

Beautiful  Maude, 30 

Babie  Talk, 32 

"  S.  S.  S.," 34 

Love, 36 

Capital  Punishment, 41 

I  Love  Thee, 44 

Our  Harry, 45 

Isabelle, 47 

Think  of  Me^ 48 

Truth, 49 

Broken-hearted, 52 

Let  Me  Think, 53 

Thy  dark  Eyes  haunt  me, 55 

Fickle  Man, 57 

Child  of  Sorrow, 61 

Speaking  Pieces, , 62 


8 

Button  me  up  in  thy  Vest,  Brother, 64 

Fountains  by  the  Wayside, 65 

There  is  no  Death, 69 

Pass  By, 75 

Come  Home, 77 

Buxton .  Brothers, 78 

J.P.Bryant, 79 

Anna, 80 

For  Marion's  Mother, 80 

Among  the  Blossoms, 81 

Fannie, 81 

Little  Lulie, 82 

"Birdie," .*. 83 

Allie, 85 

Antha, 86 

Little  Willie, 87 

Ebbie  and  Angie, 88 

Mrs.  Grovcr, 89 

George  F.  Blanchard, 91 

Freddie  Knox, 95 

Let  me  Go, 97 

Caught  in  the  Picker, 100 

Jennie, 102 

Clara, 103 

Julie, 104 

Abbie, 104 

Minnie,  105 

The  Lame  Girl, 106 

Only  One, 107 

How  I  Long  for  Thee, 109 

He  never  saw  his  Father, .+ Ill 

Little  Warrie, 113 

Three  on  Earth,  and  Three  in  Heaven, 114 

They  .will  not  Listen, 115 

Waiting, 121 

Listen  to  the  Voices, 124 

Ninevah, 126 

Bessie, , . . . . 128 


9 

Sister  Agnes, .". . .  130 

Hygiene, 137 

Valedictory, 139 

How  far  from  Home  ? 140 

We've  been  Roaming, 142 

For  Mrs.  Dickerman, .*. 145 

Here  am  I, 149 

Bid  them  God-speed, 152 

Hattie  Marcy,. 154 

Be  True, 156 

Healing  Institute, 160 

"'And  a  little  Child  shall  Lead  them," 165 

Going,  Going, 181 

Little  Sister, 183 

Weary,   185 

Sunshine  and  Shadow, 188 

O,  what  will  People  say, 190 

Neither  Awake  nor  Asleep, 194 

Supplication, 195 

Rosana, 198 

The  Rejected, 200 

Finale...  ..203 


ECHOES. 


0 !  DO  you  not  love  the  dear  Echoes 

That  play  hide  and  seek  in  the  glen  ? 
Where  the  flossy,  gray  mosses  are  streaming, 

And  the  fount  leapeth  out  from  the  fen  ? 
The  Echoes,  that  catch  all  the  music 

And  toss  it  from  rock  to  ravine, 
Betrolling  the  trillings, .and  quavers, 

Far  up  in  the  shimmering  sheen. 

0 !  do  you  not  love  the  dear  Echoes? 

How   they  mellow  each  sound   they  have 

heard, 
Re-ringing  the  rich  undulations 

Till  the  deeps  of  the  spirit  are  stirred, 
The  Echoes  that  fold  to  their  bosoms 

Each  wandering  harmonic  waif, 
Borne  tlirough  their  euphonious  dominions, 

In  billowy  melody  safe. 


12 


0  !  do  you  not  love  the  dear  Echoes 

That  glance  through  the  grottoes  of  mind  ? 
Returning  the  quaint  thoughts  of  Childhood, 

With  Hope's  gorgeous  visions  entwined ; 
The  Echoe3  of  fancies,  and  feelings, 

That  sang  in  Youth's  rose-tinted  morn, 
Ere  the  minor-key  added  a  cadence, 

Of  sad-eyed  Experience  born. 

0 !  do  you  not  love  the  dear  Echoes 

Reproducing  each  heart-spoken  tone, 
Of  grieving,  believing,  or  gladness, 

Each  hoping,  or  doubting,  or  moan  ? 
The  Echoes  of  Joy's  thrilling  sweetness, 

The  Echoes  of  wailing  despair, 
The  Echoes  of  Faith's  grand  revealings, 

Of  the  deep  welling  fountain  of  prayer ; 
The  Echoes  of  Love's  purest  phases, 

Of  all  of  Life's  varied  delights  ; 
The  Echoes  of  fervid  aspiring, 

Of  the  Martyrs'  firm  fight  for  the  right. 

And  if  you  do  love  the  dear  Echoes, 
Here  they  troll  in  these  pages  of  mine, 

These  tonings  wrung  out  by  affliction,  * 
Consecrate  to  Humanity's  shrine, 


13 


That  sing  of  the  Love  of  the  Father, 
Of  the  bliss  of  the  Blessed  Beyond, 

And  to  each  gurgling  fount  of  true  feeling, 
From  the  deeps  of  the  spirit  respond. 


WHAT  THE  BIRDS  SAID. 

• 

"A  NEW  bird  in  the  wood !  "  UA  new  bird !  " 

"Anew  bird!" 

"A  new  bird  in  the  wood! "  "A  new  bird!  " 
"Why,  the  wild- wood  blossoms  with  birds  in 

throngs, 
And  the  field  and  the  meadow  resound  with 

songs ; 

Pray,  how  can  you  hope  to  be  heard?" 
"May-chance  I'll  discover  some  cheerless  lane, 
Too  sad  to  be  reached  by  the  gayer  strain ; 
0,  there  I  may  hope  to  be  heard,   Old 

Bird! 
0,  there  I  may  hope  to  be  heard ! " 

"Only  think  of  the  Lark,  new  bird,  new  bird! 

Only  think  of  the  Lark,  new  bird ! 
That  soareth  so  high,  in  his  joy  to  vie 

With  the  harps  that  hang  in  the  gorgeous 

sky; 
Pray,  how  can  you  hope  to  be  heard  ?  " 

*  14 


"May-chance  the  weak,  or  the  weary  ear, 
Will-  fail  such  far-away  strains  to  hear ; 
0,  then  I  may  hope  to  be  heard,  Old  Bird! 
0,  then  I  may  hope  to  be  heard !  " 

Remember  the  Bob  o'link,  bird,  new  bird ! 

Remember  the  Bob  o'link,  bird !  . 
How  he  pashes,  and  dashes,  and  dives  in  bliss, 
As  the  melodies  leap  from  their -deep  abyss ; 

Pray,  how  can  you  hope  to  be  heard  ?  " 
"May-chance  he  will  halt,  in  the  heat  of  the 

day, 
Or  the  gloom  of  the  twilight  may  fright  him 

away ; 

0,  thus  I  may  hope  to  be  heard,  Old  Bird! 
0,  thus  I  may  hope  to  be  heard ! 

"But  then,  the  nightingale,  bird,  new  bird! 

But  then,  the  nightingale,  bird! 
How  he  sits  in  the  hush,  of  the  holy  even, 
And  wafts  the  soul  with  his  songs  to  heaven ; 

Pray,  how  can  you  hope  to  be  heard  ?  " 
"May-chance  in  the  chill  of  the  autumn  time, 
He  will  hie  him  away  to  a  sunny  clime ; 
0,  then  I  may  hope  to  be  heard,  Old  Bird ! 
0,  then  I  may  hope  to  be  heard ! 


16     . 

"Then  again,  there's  the  bird  in  the  cage  of 

gold, 
Whose   brilliant   plumage  may  be   bought 

and  sold, 
In  summer  s  heat  or  in  winter's  cold ; 

Pray,  how  can  you  hope  to  be  heard?" 
"Ah,  well,  he  may  carol  for  those  who  delight 

In  gilded  bondage  and  fettered  flight ; 
My  wing  shall  be  cageless,  my  music  free, 
And  the  loving,  and  lowly,  will  listen  to  me ; 
And  thus,  even  thus,   I'll  be  heard,  Old 

Bird! 
And  thus,  even  thus  I'll  be  heard ! 


TANTALUS. 

« 

TANTALUS,  Tantalus,  0  it  is» terrible  ! 
Lifted  to  look  at  bliss 
Lightly  debarred. 

Bowing  adoringly  down  to  the  beautiful, 
Knowing  'twill  naught  with  thee 
Worshipped  afar. 

Proffering  rapturously  Love's  richest  offering, 
Flouted  like  Cain  of  old, 
Frenzied  with -loss. 

Tantalus,  Tantalus,  0  it  is  terrible ! 
Drawn  to  the  door  of  Bliss, 
Deftly  debarred. 

Trav'ling  with  poesy,  pleading  imploringly, 
Power  for  delivering 
The  soul's  lava-tide. 

17 


18 

Baffled  and  impotent,  still-born,  anomalous, 
Petrified  mockery 
Gained  by  the  pain. 

• 

Tantalus,  Tantalus,  0  it  is  terrible! 
Fast  by  the  beat  of  Bliss, 
Fatally  barred. 

Tantalus,  Tantalus,  God  has  no  TANTALUS 
Over  the  cycles  His 
Fingers  have  formed. 

Travel  no  "might  have  beens,"  all  is  complet- 

edness 
When  the  grand  ultimates 

Stand  forth  unveiled. 

• 

In  His  Eternity,  truly  there's  time  enough, 
Though  stern  Experience 
Chasten  thee  long. 

• 

Faithfulest  schoolmaster,  gratefulest  reverence, 
Backward  thou'lt  smile  at  him 
Crowned  at  the  goal. 


KINDNESS. 

TRUE  kindness  is  a  flowret  rare, 

Perchance  escaped  from  Eden, 
You'll  know  it  by  the  ambient  air, 

With  richest  perfume  laden ; 
It  delighteth  to  steal  across  the  way 

Unhoped  for,  and  unbidden ; 
And  in  the  path  where  wanderers  stray, 

Is  often  happily  hidden. 

How  gratefully  it  bloomed  for  me 

In  the  walks  of  toil  and  sorrow, 
When  shadows  gathered  gloomily, 

And  dreary  looked  the  morrow ; 
And  thine  the  hand  that  placed  it  there, 

By  thy  own  kind  heart  bidden, 
May  Heaven  return  the  favor  care 

With  happiness  like  Eden.  • 


19 


20 


With  deeds  as  kind  to  cheer  thy  way 

Through  all  the  coming  morrow, 
'Till  thou  shalt  gain  the  glorious  day 

That  never  knoweth  sorrow. 
My  grateful  love  shall  turn  to  thee 

With  reverent  caressings, 
Imploring  that  thy  path  may  be 

'Mid  the  Father's  richest  blessings. 

That  light,  and  love,  and  rarest  worth, 

Enhales  thee  with  brightness, 
Till  thou  shalt  shine  to  bless  the  earth, 

A  star  of  purest  whiteness. 
And  when  shall  reach  the  inner  ear, 

The  dash  of  yonder  "River," 
In  pealing  anthems  may  you  hear 

Hosannas  high  forever. 


UNITED. 

As  the  mountain  torrents, 

Gathering  into  one 
Broader,  deeper,  grander, 

Hasten  proudly  on, 
Thus  the  firm  and  faithful, 

With  their  unseen  bands, 
Mingling  souls  and  voices, 

Joining  hearts  a,nd  hands, 
Form  a  mighty  magnet, 

Drawing  from  the  sea, 
Where  the  elemental 

Truths  of  ages  be. 
Ho!  ye  friends  of  Progress, 

Loving  God  indeed, 
Join  your  eager  forces 

For  the  coming  need. 


ONE  WE  KNOW. 

A  SPIRIT  proud  and  high ; 
That  can  not  brook  the  bonds  of  stern  restraint, 
That  rises  fierce  and  wild  as  storm-rent  sky, 
At  chilling,  chiding,  querulous  complaint ; 
Pliant,  as  willowy  wand,  at  sorrow's  sigh, 
As  wax  impressive,  moulded  by  the  will, 
Made  known  in  tender  tone  and  wistful  eye, 
And  the  seductive  charm  of  Beauty's  smile, 
Spurning  like  mettled  steed  with  rider  thrown, 
The  curb  compulsive,  and  the  forced  control, 
Yet  meekest  subject  of  the  sceptred  throne 
To  which  he  lifts  the  idol  of  his  soul ; 
Thus   fine-toned   harp,    with    myriad    dainty 

strings, 

At  a  rude  grasp  discordant  clamor  swells ; 
But  when  a  gentle  touch  its  love-sweep  brings 
With  richest  music  the  wide  ether  thrills ; 
0 !  ye  whose  fingers  strike  the  master-keys 
Of  social  life,  of  human  weal  or  woe, 
Learn  to  awake  the  might  be  harmonies, 

And  drive  compulsion  to  the  deeps  below. 

22 


ROSA    McINTIRE. 

ONCE  there  was  a  fine  old  Scotchman, 
Lord  of  houses,  herds  and  acres, 
Also  sixteen  sons  and  daughters, 
Yet  one  only  little  grandling 

Cheered  the  dotage  of  the  sire, 

Rosy,  Rosa  Mclntire. 

Blithe  was  she,  an4  pert,  and  winning, 
Fearless,  active,  self-reliant, 
Clutching  with  her  dimpled  fingers, 
Fast  upon  the  old  man's  heart-strings, 

Till  in  death  he  named  his  heir, 

"Rosy,  Rosa  Mclntire." 

Filled  with  dash  of  wild  adventure 
As  the  years  in  benediction 
Threw  her  life,  and  power,  and  beauty, 
Hopeful  crossed  the  bounding  billows, 
To  the  land  of  love  and  freedom. 

Many  gathered  to  admire 

Rosy,  Rosa  Mclntire. 


23 


24 

Came  there  one  with  arts  bewitching, 
With  a  wily  facination ; 
Form  of  lithe  and  fair  proportions, 
Face  of  beauty,  words  of  smoothness. 

Whispering  voices  said  u  Beware, 

Rosy,  Rosa  Mclntire." 

He's  a  wild  and  reckless  sailor, 
Seeking  but  thy  grand' therms  treasure ;. 
Trust  him.  not,  his  words,  so  guileful, 
Will  bewilder  and  deceive  thee ; 

0,  avoid  the  subtle  snare ! 

Rosy,  Rosa  Mcjntire. 

And  she  plainly  heard  the  voices, 
Yowed  to  heed  them,  but  alas !  she 
Loved  the  words  of  witching  sweetness, 
Loved  the  dashing,  manly  beauty, 

And  was  snared,  while  dallying  there, 

Rosy,  Rosa  Mclntire. 

Then  ne  led  her  to  the  altar, 

And  with  words  of  fond  endearing 

Gained  into  his  faithless  keeping, 


All  the  gold,  and  tokened  treasures, 
And  the  legal  bonds  and  tenures 

Of  the  Scotchman's  chosen  heir, 

Rosy,  Rosa  Mclntire. 

Then  proposed  a  trip  of  pleasure, 
Wedding  tour  to  distant  city, 
Seated  her  with  gentle  fondness, 
Begged  to  be  excused  a  moment ; 

But  she  rode  alone,  afar, 

Rosy,  Rosa  Mclntire. 

Gone  was  he,  the  reckless  sailor, 
With  her  gold,  and  with  her  papers, 
With  her  heart,  and  meansless,  friendless, 
Came  she  to  that  distant  city, 

Victim  of  remorseful  fire, 

Ah !  poor  Rosa  Mclntire. 

Learn  ye  from  this  true,  true  story, 
Every  youth  and  every  maiden, 
Heed  the  voices,  whispering  voices 
Of  the  blessed  intuitions, 
Dally  not  with  shrewd  temptations, 
0,  too  trustful,  fond  and  guileless, 

By  this  name  avoid  the  snare, 

Rosy,  &osa  Mclntire. 

2 


LAMOILLE. 

MERRILY  meek,  meandering 

Among  the  hills  and  dells ; 
Daintily,  deftly,  wandering 

Where  the  fairies  weave  their  spells ; 
To  the  dancing  shadowlets  telling  love 

As  smoothly  soft  as  oil ; 
Oh !  blest  once  more  by  thy  brink  to  rove, 

My  mellow,  mild  Lamoille.      * 

Brilliant  eyes,  as  black  as  night, 

Have  lightened  by  thy  side, 
Eyes  as  blue  as  Heaven's  own  light, 

Out-gleamed  thy  glowing  tide ; 
Melting  lips  and  manly  hearts 

Have  followed  every  coil, 
Each  sweet,  capricious  turn  and  start, 

My  mellow,  mild  Lamoille. 


27 


Dreamers  wildest  dreams  have  dreamed, 

Beguiled  by  thee  along, 
Airiest  castles  real  seemed 

While  listening  to  thy  song. 
The  dreamers  find  their  visions  flown, 

The  Fates  the  builders  foil, 
Yet  gleefully  thou  glidest  on, 

My  mellow,  mild  Lamoille. 

One  light  goes  out,  another  sheens, 

Thou  heedest  not  the  change; 
Old  Time  has  shifted  many  scenes, 

And  some  seemed  passing  strange, 
Since  by  thy  banks  fond  words  of  love 

Filled  my  soul  with  sweet  turmoil ; 
Oh !  blest  once  more  by  thy  brink  to  rove, 

My  mellow,  mild  Lamoille, 


DEDICATION. 

BE  Truth  the  household  god 

That  reigneth  here, 
And  Faith  the  white-robed  priest 

With  incense  rare, 
While  Love,  the  prophetess, 

Sweet  anthems  sings ; 
And  Peace,  and  Hope,  and  Joy, 

Fold  their  glad  wings, 
That  lab'rers  worn  with  toil 

May  seek  repose 
In  this  serene  retreat, 

And  lose  their  woes ; 
That  spirits  strengthened  be 

For  higher  flight, 
More  firm  to  bear  each  cross, 

And  teach  the  Right, 
A  court  of  Heaven — a  sacred  shrine, 
Bright  with  the  light  of  Love  Divine. 


28 


MY  SPIRIT  CALLS  TO  THINE. 

MY  spirit  calls  to  thine,  love, 

Heart-gushes  flash  to  thee 
Through  the  deep  hush,  divine,  love, 

Through  the  vast  electric  sea : 
The  sky  is  wondrous  bright,  love 

The  earth  is  brightly  fair ; 
Give  life  to  my  delight,  love, 

This  dreamy  sweetness  share ; 
My  very  joy  is  dumb,  love, 

My  very  bliss  is  pain. 
Till  thy  quick  responses  come  love 

To  wake  my  own  again, 
I  know  by  the  holy  calm,  love, 

That  drapes  Love's  sacred  shrine, 
By  my  soul's  triumphant  psalm,  love, 

Thy  inmost  answers  mine, 
That  each  to  each  will  call,  love, 

Forever,  o'er  and  o'er ; 
And  sweet  replies  enthrall,  love, 

Complete  forevermore. 


29 


BEAUTIFUL  MAUDE. 

WE  have  a  treasure-gem,  we  have  a  prize, 
Glad'ning  the  spirit,  delighting  the  eyes, 
Opening  Joy's  inexhaustible  store, 
Unfolding  new  loveliness  every  hour, 
Lighting  the  earth-home  with  glory  untold, 
Paling  the  grandeur  engendered  by  gold  ; 
One  rare  exotic  from  the  garden  of  God, 
Beautiful  Maude ! 


Sculptor,  come  hither !  a  model  for  thee, 
Faultlessly  fashioned  !  gracefully  free  ! 
Mark  every  motion !  no  chisel  the  charm 
Can  convey  to  cold  marble !  such  changes  of 

form. 

Painter,  behold  her,  and  droop  in  despair, 
Blend  jet,  rose,  and  lily !  'twill  faintly  compare 
With  our  rare  exotic  from  the  garden  of  God, 
Beautiful  Maude ! 

30 


31 


Poet,  assay  it,  and  weep  in  dismay ! 
Words  are  so  powerless  charms  to  convey, 
That  shift  with  each  thought,  each  surpassing 

the  last, 

Evoking  new  images  ever  surpassed 
By  the  sweetness,  the  brightness,  the  richness 

of  love, 
That  floated  to  us  from  the  heaven  cultured 

grove 

With  our  rare  exotic  from  the  garden  of  God, 
Beautiful  Maude! 

Yet  sometimes  we  shake,  lest  the  winds  roughly 
blow, 

Lest  the  frosts  be  too  chilling,  too  heavy  the 
snow, 

Or  quake  with  dumb  fear,  lest  her  presence  we 
miss 

From  the  home-nest  she  brought  such  a  well- 
spring  of  bliss. 

0  blind!    the  blessed  guardians  of  Heaven's 
own  bowers 

Will  cherish  and  shelter  this  sweetest  of  flowers, 

Our  own  rare  exotic  from  the  garden  of  God, 
Beautiful  Maude ! 


BABIE   TALK. 

"RiDiE,  ridie,  ride  away," 

Says  Nellie  Belle  so  chattie, 
"  Papa,  mama,  Nell  and  Mae, 
Down  to  see  poor  Na-ee. 

Na-ee  is  so  sick  and  sad, 
Na-ee  loves  us  dearly, 
Na-ee  '11  be  so  glad,  so  glad, 
To  hear  our  prattle  cheerly." 

Folded  closely  in  her  arms, 

Bright,  beautiful,  and  happy, 
Feasting  on  the  baby  charms. 
Happy  is  poor  "Na-ee." 

"Na-ee  is  so  sick  and  sad, 

Na-ee  loves  us  dearly, 
Na-ee  is  so  glad,  so  glad, 
To  hear  our  prattle  cheerly." 


32 


Comes  a  thought  full  fraught  with  pain, 

E'en  while  chirk  and  chattie, 
The  darlings  soon  must  ride  again 
Far  away  from  "  Na-ee.11 

"Na-ee  is  so  sick  and  sad, 

Na-ee  loves  us  dearly, 
Na-ee  '11  feel  so  bad  so  bad, 
To  lose  our  prattle  cheerly." 

Gone,  the  little  ones  so  sweet, 
Gone  from  "Auntie  Mattie," 
Pleasant  hours  are  ever  fleet, 
Lone  is  now  poor  "Na-ee." 
"  Na-ee  is  so  sick  and  sad, 

Na-ee  loves  us  dearly, 
Na-ee  feels  so  bad,  so  bad, 
To  lose  our  prattle  cheerly." 

But  though  now  so  far  away 

In  your  home  so  pretty, 
Nellie  Belle,  and  Minnie  Mae, 
Don't  forget  poor  "Na-ee." 
"Na-ee  is  so  sick  and  sad. 

Na-ee  loves  us  dearly, 
Na-ee  feels  so  bad,  so  bad, 

To  lose  our  prattle  cheerly." 
2* 


s.  s.  s. 

S.  S.  S.  was  a  beauty,  the  belle  of  our  town, 
One  to  craze  with  a  smile,  or  to  kill  with  a 

frown, 
Her  eyes  were  so  speaking,  and  sparkling,  and 

bright, 
Yet  melting,  and  mellow,  and  mild  in  their 

light, 
Her  lips,  and  her  cheeks,  sure  you  never  Would 

think 
How  dimpled,  and  plump,  and  how  prettily 

pink; 

The  handsomest  hand,  and  the  fairiest  foot, 
Ever  pressed  and  caressed,  ever  placed  in  a 

boot, 
And  the  sunbeams  of  Heaven  seemed  prisoned 

with  care 

In  the  wavy  bright  wealth  of  her  beautiful  hair. 
Well,  among  her  admirers  Ned  Nolan  knelt  low, 
To  be  blest  with  a  "yes,"  or  undone  with  a 


"no!' 


34 


35 


And  pleading,  protested  with  groan  and  gri 
mace, 

He'd  not  slept  for  a  month,  for  her  beautiful 
face. 

She  paused,  and  she  pondered,  considered  and 
sighed, 

Of  the  length  of  his  purse,  thought  with  pleas 
ure  and  pride, 

Then  his  bow  was  bewitching,  and  brilliant  his 
ring, 

And  the  chain  o'er  his  vest  was  a  very  choice 
thing, 

Then  his  dress  was  so  dainty,  his  teeth  were  so 
white, 

And  his  very  moustache  a  bewildering  sight. 

A  soft  flutter  of  pleasure  just  stirred  her  repose, 

As  she  thought  him  at  least  the  most  gallant  of 
beaux : 

But  oho  !  and  aha !  soon  a  rival  appears, 

Disputing  Ned's  claim  to  this  dearest  of  dears, 

But  his  nose  was  so  long,  and  his  mouth  was 
not  small ; 

And  then  he  was  certainly  awkwardly  tall, 

His  hand  hard  and  brown  with  the  impress  of 
toil, 

And  oft  his  apparel  told  tales  of  the  soil. 


Ned  viewed  the  contour  with  a  glance  of  con 

tempt ; 

And  fancied  from  fears  he  was  safely  exempt ; 
But  his  breath  was  so  free  from  the  fumes  of 

the  weed, 
And  no  imps  of  the  cup  baleful  passion-fires 

feed; 
Then  intellect  spake  from  the  kingly  broad 

brow, 
And  the  heart  was  so  large,  and  so  faithfully 

true. 

So  Neddie,  be  wary,  be  thoughtful  and  wise, 
Or  this  same  ugly  gallant  may  bear  off  the 

prize. 

But  on  with  the  tale !   S.  S.  heard  with  delight, 
The  eloquence  high  of  her  ill-favored  knight, 
His  treasured  intelligence  learned  with  surprise, 
And  wondered  with  awe  that  one  could  be  so 

wise, 
Read  the  depths  of  true  worth  in  his  nature 

enshrined, 

Integrity  firm,  and  philanthropy  kind ; 
Learned  the  glorious  .power  of  l}is  grand  self- 
control, 
Saw  the  features  transfigured  by  gleamings  of 

soul, 


Till  she  wondered  anew,  with  a  chiding  of  pain, 
That  ever  she  could  have  considered  him  plain ; 
And  at  length  when  he  whispered  her  tender 

and  low, 
She  could  not,  she  would  not,  she  did  not  say 


no!1 


0 !  could  you  have  seen  the  astonished  chagrin 
With  which  dainty  Ned  the  sad  truth  gath 
ered  in ! 

How  he  said  hasty  words !  impolite  I'm  afraid, 
And    scarce   for   that   exquisite    leave-taking 

stayed ; 
Then  he  solaced  himself,  "  He  was  glad  he  was 

free," 

And  said  something  more  'bout  "the  fish  in 
the  sea." 

MORAL. 

Neglect  not  the  mind,  for  the  form  or  the  face, 
Neglect  not  the  mind  for  fashion  or  grace, 
For  wisdom  is  happiness,  knowledge  is  power, 
And  true  worth  the  richest,  the  holiest  dower ; 
Not  the  pearls  of  the  ocean,  or  the  gems  of 

the  sea, 

Or  the  mines  of  the  mountains,  can  recom 
pense  be, 


38 


For  the  charms  of  the  spirit,  the  wealth  of  the 

soul, 
Gained  by  culture,  and  kindness,  and   stern 

self-control ; 

And  they  are  the  beautiful,  they  the  refined, 
Who  develop  the  highest  emotions  of  mind. 


LOVE. 

BLAME  you  for  loving  ?     Just  as  soon 

I'd  blame  the  blooming  flower 
For  glad'ning  in  the  sunshine, 

For  brightening  in  the  shower. 

Blame  you  for  loving  ?     Just  as  soon 

I'd  blame  the  forest  trees 
For  lifting  up  their  stately  heads, 

And  waving  in  the  breeze. 

Blame  you  for  loving  ?  T  Just  as  soon 

I'd  blame  the  panting  deer 
For  slaking  all  his  burning  thirst 

In  the  streamlet  cool  and  clear. 

Blame  you  for  loving  ?     Nay  ! '  as  soon 

I'd  blame  my  very  soul 
For  gushing  out  in  loving  praise 

For  all  things  beautiful. 

39 


40 


Blame  you  for  loving  ?     Nay !  the  power 
That  placed  that  love  within, 

And  that  alone,  must  be  to  blame, 
If  loving  be  a  sin. 

But  wo !  to  him  who  desecrates 
This  highest  gift  of  Heaven ; 

And  wrongs  the  trusting  love  he  wins, 
Sin  ne'er  to  be  forgiven. 


CAPITAL  PUNISHMENT. 

'TWAS  a  mighty  nation's  triumph  hour ! 

Crushed  were  her  foes,  at  end  her  wars ; 
The  eagle  soared  in  pride  and  power, 

Triumphant  waved  the  stripes  and  stars. 
From  south  to  north,  from  east  to  west, 

A  gush  of  joy  like  incense  rose ; 
A  vast  Republic's  giant  breast, 

Exultant  heaved  with  thrilling  throes. 
What  noble  act  ?  what  deed  sublime  ? 

Shall  the  grandeur  of  this  epoch  speak 
Through  the  corridors  of  coming  time  ? 

A  woman  hanging  by  the  neck  f 
And  is  it  thus,  0  men  of  fame ! 

Ye  celebrate  your  victories  ? 
Like  savage  orgies  round  the  flame, 

Wherein  a  cowering  captive  dies ! 
0  !  that  ye  could  have  God-like  soared 

Above  revenge,  from  passion  free! 
Proud  pattern  for  a  grov'ling  world ! 

Majestic  magnanimity ! 

41 


42 


0  !  that  ye  could  have  traced  on  high, 

"  Come  all  the  world,  a  lesson  learn, 
Of  the  glorious  home  of  Liberty  ! 

A  blessing  for  each  ivrong  return. 
'Twas  dastardly,  a  devilish  deed! 

The  smiting  of  that  good  old  man, 
Well  might  a  nation's  great  heart  bleed, 

For  him  who  nobly  led  the  van. 
So  mildly  just !  so  bravely  kind ! 

Through  seas  of  blood,  through  wails  of  wo, 
The  harshest  judgment  he  could  find, 

*'  Forgive !  they  know  not  what  they  do !  " 
But  did  it  heal  the  grievous  wound  ? 

Or  bring  your  idol  back  to  life  ? 
To  duplicate  the  fiendish  round, 

By  hanging  up  a  poor  weak  wife  ? 
0 !  who  can  tell  what  goaded  her  ? 

What  torturing  wrongs  had  made  her  mad? 
What  force,  resistless,  swept  her  far 

Beyond  life's  purer,  holier  tide  ? 
Treason  lay  trampled  in  the  dust ! 

Foul  Slavery's  bands  were  rent  in  two. 
And  Liberty  resumed  her  trust, 

By  Justice  stern,  baptized  anew. 
0 !  in  the  rapture  of  success, 

Well  might  ye  God-like  mercy  show 


43 

Winning  a  penitent  caress, 

Where  now  ye've  made  a  lurking  foe. 
Thus  on,  and  on,  perpetuate 

The  sons  of  strife,  each  ill  deplored ! 
While  love  and  ruth  are  hushed  in  hate, 

They  take,  and  perish  by  the  sword. 
But  the  day  will  dawn,  rejoice,  0  Earth ; 

When  higher  views  prevail  of  Life; 
The  demon  Blame  shall  be  cast  forth, 

That  foul  engenderer  of  strife : 
And  man  shall  in  each  brother  man 

A  kindred  spark  divine  discern, 
With  calmly  unimpassioned  scan, 

The  causes  of  each  erring  learn : 
And  the  stronger  shield  the  weaker  on 

With  loving  trust  with  tender  ruth, 
Their  censure  aim  at  the  source  of  wrongs, 

But  win  the  offender  back  to  truth. 


I  LOVE  THEE. 

I  LOVE  thee  for  thy  gentleness, 

Thy  ever  pleasant  smile, 
Thy  sunny  brow,  thy  ready  zeal, 

In  each  recurring  toil ; 

And  as  I  list  thy  kindly  tone, 

My  spirit  swells  in  prayer, 
That  unseen  hands  may  guide  thee  safe 

From  every  subtle  snare. 

I  can  not  hope,  I  would  not  wish, 

Thy  lips  all  smiles  to  be, 
For  trials,  dear,  make  strong  the  soul, 

Make  the  spirit  brave  and  free. 

But  this  I  ask  with  deep  desire, 
That  Wisdom,  Strength,  and  Love, 

Thy  refuge,  solace,  and  content, 
Through  coming  years  may  prove. 


44 


"OUR  HARRY.'* 

Do  you  see  the  cherub,  but  three  years  old, 
With  brown  ringed  curls  just  touched  with  gold, 
Bright  head  thrown  back  in  his  childish  zeal. 
Each  generous  impulse  so  quick  to  feel, 
Eyes  in  their  earnestness  twinkling  starry ; 
Thai  is  Harry. 

Wide,  wide  brow,  with  polished  swells, 
That  tales  of  artistic  touches  tells, 
Playfulest  dimples  in  chin  and  cheek, 
Red  lips  that  lisping  fondness  speak, 
Something  of  Cupid,  and  something  a  fairy  ; 
That  is  Harry. 

Sweet  mouth  apouting  for  frequent  kisses, 
Gentle  good-byes  that  gush  with  blisses, 
Shimmering  changes  of  pure  emotion, 
Tossing  the  spray  from  the  soulful  ocean, 
Whose  freighted  barges  our  high  hopes  carry ; 

That  is  Harry. 

45 


46 

Do  you  see  the  man  with  massive  brain, 
Who  over  himself  will  rule  and  reign  ? 
Who  lifteth  his  voice  for  the  weak  oppressed, 
While   the   Christ-love  "swelleth   his   heaving 

breast  ? 

Of  freest  philanthropy  never  charry, 
And  is  that  Harry  ? 

Who  reareth  the  standard  of  goodness  high, 
Yet  heareth  the  frailest  when  they  cry, 
Who  layeth  the  axe  at  the  root  of  the  tree, 
And  bareth  the  causes  of  the  ills  that  be, 
Yet  would  from  the  victim  the  fierce  blows 
parry; 

And  is  that  Harry  ? 

Who  followeth  the  Right  through  storms  of 

hate, 

And  loveth  the  Good,  though  in  low  estate, 
Yet  readeth  so  deeply  the  Truths  of  God, 
That  he  everywhere    findeth  the  Right  and 

Good, 

Anointed  priest,  Fact  and  Faith  to  marry ; 
And  is  that  Harry  f 


ISA-BELLE. 

PLUMP  and  dimpled,  sweet  and  fair, 
With  bright  blue  eyes  and  golden  hair, 
Seeing  the  Angels  in  her  dreams, 
All  too  good  for  this  world  she  seems, 

Isa-belle, 

Full  of  caresses  and  loving  words, 
Joyous  and  merry  a§  summer  birds, 
Formed  for  the  sunshine,  pure  and  free, 
Ah !  the  world  is  too  cold  for  thee, 

Isa-belle. 

Yet  as  the  moonbeam's  mellow  light, 
Chase  all  the  gloom  from  the  dreary  night, 
So  may  thy  sweetness  charm  away 
Every  ill  from  thy  sunny  May, 

Isa-belle, 

Guarded  by  goodness,  and  strong  in  love, 
Blessing  and  blest  may  thy  earth-life  prove, 
Then  like  the  glorious  star  of  even, 
Ascend  in  thy  beauty  to  gladden  Heaven, 

Isa-belle. 

4T 


THINK   OF  ME. 

THINK  of  me,  stranger-friend, 
I  know  the  aspirations;  hopes  and  fears, 
The  toils  and  trials  of  thy  climbing  years, 
With  my  long  discipline  too  well  affine, 
And  thus  thy  inmost  soul  I  well  divine, 
Predict  thee  progress,  honor  and  success ; 
Life's  holiest  recompensing  power  to  bless, 

Think  of  me  stranger-friend. 

Think  of  me,  stranger-friend, 
Perchance  we'll  yet  rejoice  that  we  have  met, 
This  hour  a  golden  one  in  mem'ry  set ; 
Perchance  together  smile  in  coming  years, 
Upon  these  struggles,  sighs,  impatient  tears, 
And  by  some  well-earned  goal  stand  side  by  side, 
Smiling  serene  upon  the  conquered  tide, 

Think  of  me,  stranger-friend. 


48 


TRUTH. 

MID  the  fanciful  fancies  of  youth,  dreamy  youth, 
Freely  weaveth  the   golden-hued   meshes   of 

Truth, 
Windeth  inward,  and  outward,  through  nature's 

domain, 
Only  follow  its  guidings,  Life's  lesson  groweth 

plain. 

Truth,  Truth,  sweet,  sweet  Truth, 
Be  it  ever  so  simple,  there's  nothing  like  Truth. 

It  glistens  in  the  dew-drop,  exhaleth  from  the 

rose, 
Enhances  every  pleasure,  plucks  the  sting  from 

the  woes, 
High  soareth  with  the  eagle,  soft  droopeth  with 

the  dove, 
Guideth  on  to  perfection,  through  wisdom,  faith 

and  love. 

Truth,  Truth,  sweet,  sweet  Truth, 
Be  it  ever  so  simple,  there's  nothing  like  Truth. 
3  49 


50 


It  glows  in  intuition,  hides  deep  in  every  sonl, 

Scorns  fetterings,  and  fearings,  spurns  intoler 
ant  control, 

It  teacheth  by  experience,  it  warneth  by  dis 
tress, 

And  sendeth  Heaven's  messenger  to  elevate 

arid  bless. 
Truth,  Truth,  sweet,  sweet  Truth, 

Be  it  ever  so  simple,  there's  nothing  like  Truth. 


0  morning   star   of    beauty !    guide    onward 

through  the  gloom, 
And   gild  with  Heaven's  radiance  the  portals 

of  the  tomb, 
Unveil  the  mystic  loveliness  of  the  wonderful 

"First  Cause," 
And  fill  us  with  the  harmony  of  comprehended 

laws. 

Truth,  Truth,  sweet,  sweet  Truth, 
Be  it  ever  so  simple,  there's  nothing  like  Truth. 

O,  dignity  of  Human-hood  enshrining  the  Di 
vine  ! 

Put  all  thy  glorious  garments  on,  with  celestial 
life  affine ! 


51 


Fraternally  and  holily,  thy  pilgrimage  pursue, 
And  the  Heavens  opening  wide  to  thee,  trium 
phant  thou  shalt  view 
Truth,  Truth,  sweet,  sweet  Truth, 
Be  it  ever  so  simple,  there's  nothing  like  Truth. 


"BROKEN-HEARTED." 

"BROKEN-HEARTED?"  nay!  in  heart  be  strong ! 
"Crushed   in   spirit?"    nay!    right   conquers 

wrong ! 

"  Blighted  in  prospect ?"  nay!  the  future  teerns 
With  promise  fairer  than  thy  fondest  dreams, 
And  they  who  tipped  with  calumny  the  dart, 
That  rankles  deeply  in  thy  quivering  heart, 
Shall  haste  to  bring  the  balm,  the  laurel  crown, 
And  myriad  smiles  repay  each  chilling  frown. 
Gird  on  the  armor !  shrink  not  from  the  fight ! 
Wave  the  glad  banner,  "Justice,  Truth  and 

Right," 
And  strong,  true  arms,  shall  reach  from  heights 

of  bliss, 
Lifting  thee  from  thy  woes  to  happiness. 


52 


"LET  ME  THINK." 

"LET  me  think!  "  mused  little  Leeta, 

By  the  sparkling  brooklet's  brink, 
Wondering  why  it  hurried  onward. 

"  Let  me  think !   0  let  me  think ! 
'Tis  to  greet  the  golden  sunshine, 

'Tis  to  bless  the  drooping  flowers, 
'Tis  to  sing  its  joy  and  gladness 

To  the  white-winged,  fleeting  hours." 

Noble  lesson,  sweetest  Leeta, 

By  Life's  rolling  river  brink, 
Let  us  turn  within  and  murmur, 

" Let  me  think !•  0  let  me  think! 
Whence  it  cometh,  where  it  goeth, 

What  its  duties  and  its  lore, 
What  its  glad,  delightful  mission, 

What  the  uses  of  its  store." 


53 


54 

Each  true  life  thus  hurries  oiiward, 

Fraught  with  kindness,  peace  and  love 
Wide  diffusing  glowing  gladness, 

Like  the  radiant  ones  above ; 
Singing  of  the  Father's  goodness 

To  the  years  whirled  swiftly  by, 
Charming  with  its  gurgling  music, 

Error's  croaking,  frighted  cry. 

Noble  lesson,  dearest  reader, 

In  thy  mental  may  it  sink ; 
Ere  thou  judgest,  or  condemnest, 

Ponder  gravely — "Let  me  think!  " 
If  the  waters  run  not  clearly 

They  have  been  unfitly  used. 
Free  the  channels — clear  the  sluices, 

Pure  the  deeps  if  unabused. 

Think  with  candor,  calm,  unbiased, 

Think  with  firm,  reliant  trust, 
In  the  noble  powers  Ged-given 

For  conclusions  bravely  just. 
Each  by  his  own  spiral  stairway, 

Each  in  his  own  orbit  whirled, 
Gains  at  last  the  heights  resplendent, 

With  Truth's  banner  wide  unfurled. 


THY  DARK  EYES  HAUNT  ME. 

THY  dark  eyes  haunt  me !  from  their  dees 

Looks  forth  a  lofty  soul, 
Attuned  to  sweetest  harmony 

That  thrilling  thoughts  control, 
E'er  lifting  upward  from  the  earth 

To  a  purer,  brighter  goal. 

A  gentle  touch  e'er  sweeps  the  chords 

With  melody  divine, 
And  fills  thee  with  wild  dreams  of  bliss, 

Of  thoughts  that  echo  thine, 
Unfolding  glimpses  to  the  wise 

Of  affection's  hidden  mine. 

Thou  livest  in  a  little  world, 

Unseen  by  other  eyes, 
And  peopled  by  thy  dreamy  mind, 

In  fancy's  gorgeous  dyes, 
With  beings  all  too  bright  for  earth, 

Too  pure  for  mortal  guise. 

55 


A  gentle  sadness  softly  rests 

Upon  the  polished  brow, 
That  tells  that  earth  can  never  fill 

The  void  that  mocks  thee  now  ; 
Yet  seeks  in  kindly  deeds  of  love, 

The  hidden  wealth  to  show. 

0 !  cheer  thee  in  thine  earthly  walks, 
Hope's  smiles  deceive  thee  not ; 

And  every  trial  shall  return 

With  richest  fragrance  fraught ; 

Not  yet,  perchance,  but  sure  as  Heaven 
Is  the  prize  that's  spirit-sought. 

For  God  mocks  not  with  vain  desires, 
Though  he  often  waiteth  long, 

To  purify  from  earthly  dross 
And  make  the  spirit  strong, 

E'er  he  sends  the  glad  fruition 
That  fills  the  soul  with  song. 


FICKLE    MAN. 

As  breezes  blow  from  north  or  south, 

One  never  knows  where  to  look  for  them, 
As  light  words  flow  from  mouth  to  mouth, 

And  never  mean  what  you  took  for  them 
As  the  butterfly,  now  here,  now  there, 

One  never  knows  where  to  think  she  is, 
As  the  foolish  eye,  that  roving  far, 
Now  winks  at  that,  now  blinks  at  this. 
So  flirting  and  changing, 
So  fleeting  and  ranging, 
So  false,  so  unstable, 
To  be  true  so  unable, 
Is  man,  fickle  man. 

Like  the  chameleon's  varied  hue, 
That  changes  in  the  sun  and  shade, 

Now  black,  now  white,  now  green,  now  blue, 
Just  as  convenience  suits  the  blade  ; 

Like  the  faithless  snake  that  now  appears 
With  one  coat  on,  then  quick  another, 

3*  57 


58 


Now  the  light  dress  the  false  one  wears 
Is  one  side  out,  then  quick  another. 
Now  kindly  respectful 
Now  coldly  neglectful, 
Now  loving,  now  wronging, 
Now  fawning,  now  scorning, 
Is  man,  fickle  man. 

Trust  to  the  calm  of  an  April  sky, 
And  think  the  sunshine  lasting, 
Trust  that  the  dew  will  never  fly, 

When  the  sun  bright  beams  is  casting. 
Trust  to  the  strength  of  the  gossamer  net 

The  insects  weave  for  the  bushes, 
Trust  that  the  color  is  firmly  set 
The  bursting  bubble  flushes. 
But  trust  not  the  smiling, 
The  winning,  beguiling, 
The  truth,  recollection, 
The  faith,  or  affection, 
Of  man,  fickle  man. 

By  thine  own  mouth  thou  standest  condemned, 
Fierce  flouter  of  the  wrongs  of  men ; 

Hast  thou  each  tide  of  feeling  stemmed, 
Such  sweeping  bolts  to  hurl  at  them? 


59 

Bitter  experience  must  teach 

A  deeper  knowledge,  clearer  view, 
And  Charity's  soft  fingers  reach 

And  touch  thee  from  her  font,  anew. 
If  man  is  by  nature 
So  faithless  a  creature, 
'Tis  a  pitiful  omen 
His  mother's  a  woman, 

And  the  mother  makes  the  man. 

Come  up  from  this  befogging  slough, 

Be  generous,  and  be  bravely  just. 
Come,  elevate  the  standard,  thou, 

Be  saintly  in  unselfish  trust. 
Weaker  than  miser  with  his  pelf 

Are  they  who'd  bind  th'  aspiring  soul 
Subservient  alone  to  self, 

Forgetful  of  the  inwoven  whole. 
For  loving  is  living, 
Increasing  with  giving, 
The  freer,  the  surer, 
The  broader,  the  purer, 

And  the  mother  makes  the  man. 

Was  the  great  Architect  so  wrong, 

Who  fixed  each  nature's  hidden  springs? 


60 


Or  are  the  discords  of  the*  song 

But  a  false  striking  of  the  strings  ? 
Come,  bravely  face  the  ungarnished  truth, 

Below  the  surface  seek  the  laws ; 
Each  wayward  streamlet  has,  in  sooth, 
Some  channeled  hindrance  for  a  cause. 
Some  repulsive  relation, 
Some  defective  equation, 
Some  captive  unwilling. 
The  true  nature  chilling, 

And  the  mother  makes  the  man. 


So  long  as  glides  these  surface  lives,. 

O'er-ruled  by  passion,  pride  and  caste, 
And  rough-shod  o'er  crushed  natures  drives 

The  self-love  fiats  of  the  past, 
So  long  as  candor  veils  her  face, 

And  nature  blushes  for  her  own, 
And  dwarfed  opinion  leaves  no  place 
To  right  the  wrongs  in  blindness  done, 
So  long  vague  desirings, 
And  unmet  requirings, 
Will  crop  out  in  creatures 
With  abnormal  natures, 

For  the  mother  makes  the  man. 


CHILD  OF  SORROW. 

CHILD  of  sorrow,  dry  thy  tears, 

Unseen  friends  are  near  thee! 
For  these  weary,  wasted  years, 

Purest  love  will  cheer  thee ; 
Thou  art  not  despised,  forgot, 

Thou  art  not  forsaken ! 
'Tis  each  mortal's  earthly  lot 

Oft  to  be  mistaken ; 
But  the  Father  ruleth  still, 

Guideth  all  in  kindness, 
Bringing  brightness  out  of  ill, 

Happiness  from  blindness. 
Then  look  up !  be  glad !  rejoice ! 

Lo !  the  bright  to-morrow 
Shall  to  gladness  tune  thy  voice, 

Hushing  all  the  sorrow. 
Kindred  souls  shall  blend  with  thine, 

Loving  hands  shall  guide  thee, 
Fond  affections  round  thee  twine, 

Dear  ones  glide  beside  thee ; 
Then  look  up  and  dry  thy  tears 
For  the  bliss  of  coming  years. 

61 


SPEAKING  PIECES. 

FOR   MASTER   A.  R.  BROWN. 

"  BLESSED  are  the  ^zece-makers," 
And  they  who  speak  the  pieces ; 
They're  the  lever-movers  of  the  world, 
That  gain  the  golden  fleeces; 
And  if  you  would  be  thought  a  trump, 
A  trumpery  speech  will  do  it, 
If  only  with  a  graceful  power 
You  gallantly  go  through  it. 
It  makes  but  very  little  odds, 
What  odds  and  ends  are  in  it, 
If  in  approved  theatric  style 
You  end  it,  and  begin  it. 
But  if  timidly  you  take  the  floor, 
You're  floored  sir,  that  is  certain, 
However  fine  your  chosen  theme, 
You'd  better  drop  the  curtain, 
Just  keep  to  windward  of  the  tide, 
The  tied  will  blow  you  finely. 
But  your  bread  will  fall  on  th'  buttered  side, 

62 


63 


If  you  speak  the  truth  too  plainly, 

For  manner  is  the  thing,  my  lads, 

In  man  or  woman  either ; 

And  now's  the  time  to  put  it  on, 

And  familiarize  together. 

Then  you  can  speak  true  matter,  too, 

No  matter  who  you're  hitting, 

The  jewel  will  be  recognized 

If  you  polish  well  the  setting. 


BUTTON  ME  UP  IN  THY  VEST,  BROTHER. 

BUTTON  me  up  in  thy  vest,  brother, 

Button  me  up  in  thy  vest ! 
It  giveth  me  needed  rest,  brother, 

Needed  warmth  and  rest. 
I've  stood  so  long  apart,  brother, 

Shut  out  in  the  cold,  apart, 
Fold  me  close  to  thy  heart,  brother, 

Close  to  thy  kind,  good  heart. 
I  ask  not  for  a  place,  brother, 

A  selfish  place,  or  part, 
That  would  light  another  face,  brother, 

Or  cheer  another  heart. 
Only  a  little  niche,  brother, 

Where  I  may  draw  from  thee 
The  strength  and  peace  so  famished  for, 

0,  brother,  lend  it  me. 
Then  button  me  up  in  thy  vest,  brother, 

Close  to  thy  faithful  heart, 
I  faint  for  the  warmth  and  rest,  brother, 

And  thou  and  I  must  part. 


64 


FOUNTAINS  BY  THE  WAYSIDE. 

YES,  earth  hath  its  sunny  places, 
Life  its  scenes  of  happiness, 

Time  its  dear  remembered  spaces, 
Hearts  their  little  cups  of  bliss. 

Clustering  fruits,  and  sparkling  fountains 
By  the  wayside,  gleam  for  all, 

Towering  heights,  serenest  mountains, 
Songs  of  triumph,  swell  and  fall. 

Let  us  glory  in  the  gladness ! 

Let  us  bathe  in  the  delight ! 
There's  a  wrong  for  every  sadness, 

Let  us  conquer  it  with  right. 

Conquer  all  that  grieves  another, 

Conquer  all  that  giveth  pain, 
For  the  cup  we  pass  a  brother 


Will  be  measured  back  again. 


65 


CYPRESS 


67 


ANGEL    GRACIE. 


THERE  IS  NO  DEATH. 

IT  is  a  fearful,  fearful  thing,  0  Death ! 
To  love  as  ever  love  the  great  of  heart, 
Aught  that  must  wither  'iieath  thy  chilling 

breath, 

And  at  the  bidding  of  thy  icy  touch  depart 
Ay !  it  is  fearful !  lo,  the  little  child, 
By  bird,  or  blossom,  or  the  tinted  cloud, 
The  bubble,  or  the  butterfly  beguiled, 
Mourns,  comfortless,  with  noisy  wailing  wild, 
As  each  is  hidden  'neath  thy  murky  shroud ; 
And   glowing   youth,    with    wider    range   of 

thought, 

As  airy  castles  crumble  to  decay, 
Hopes  fail,  ambitious  visions  come  to  naught, 
Fair  friendships  fade,  and  true  love's  vainly 

sought, 

And  noblest  aims  in  mockery  flee  away, 
Weeps  anguished  at  thy  potent  breath, 
Deeming  the  very  fount  of  feeling  dead, 
That  seeming  life  is  but  a  living  death, 
And  at  thy  shadow  shivers  in  vague  dread. 

69 


70 

Then  in  maturer  years  a  deeper  pain 

Wrings  the  stout  heart-strings  as  the  loved  ones 

leave, 

As  speeds  thy  arrow  home,  again,  again, 
Of  its  choicest  gems  the  sad  soul  to  bereave, 
In  helpless,  hopeless  agony  of  pain, 
Leaving  them  lone  and  desolate  to  grieve. 
But  when  the  eye  awakes  to  light  divine 
The  soul  drinks  in  the  balm  of  Truth's  glad 

lore, 

The  spirit  bows  as  at  some  favored  shrine, 
Hailing  in  triumph  what  appalled  before ; 
Fearing  no  more  the  chill  of  covering  sod, 
Exultant  sings,    "  There  is   no   Death,   thank 

God!" 

There  is  no  Death — 'tis  but  a  shifting  Life ; 
Gathering  new  beauties,  and  a  freer  scope, 
Thou'lt  meet  again  with  glorious  welcome  rife, 
Each  parted  treasure,  and  each  fleeting  hope ; 
The  airy  fabric  thou  shalt  rear  anew, 
With  a  true  basis,  ever  firmly  strong ; 
The  faded  vision  yet  shall  hail  thee  true, 
Griefs  lost  in  bliss,  sighs,  soaring  high  in  song, 
The  broken  chalice  of  Life's  sweetest  dew 
Return  brimmed  o'er  to  slake  thy  thirsting  long. 
Safe  in  the  kaleidoscope  of  Time, 


71 


With   brightening    brightness,    ever    shifting 

scenes, 

Harmonious  changing  to  a  tuneful  chime 
With  all  the  added  wealth  that  wisdom  gleans, 
All,  all  of  Life  but  varies  and  returns ; 
Be  comforted,  0  every  heart  that  mourns ! 
Fling  out  thy  armed  Divinity  abroad, 
There  is  no  Death,  no  Death,  thank  God !  thank 

God! 

There  is  no  Death !  the  glad'ning  orient  beams 
Of  a  new  dawning  light  the  weary  soul ; 
The  future  with  a  fairer  promise  teems, 
And  holier  faith  extends  its  blest  control. 
No  more   shall   this  dread,  haunting,  spectre 

ghoul, 
Of  *' partings    endless,"    "death    that    never 

dies," 

With  torture  wring  the  timid,  fearful  soul ; 
The  Psalm  of  Life  shall  fill  the  echoing  skies, 
And  seraph  voices  swell  the  glad'ning  strains, 
E'en  by  the  open  grave,  the  covering  sod. 
Weep  not,  0  weepers !  by  the  cold  remains 
Of  cruder  Life — 'tis  but  the  end  of  pains, 
The  birth  of  soul  to  realms  by  Angels  trod  ; 
There  is  no  Death,  no  Death,  thank  God !  thank 

God! 


72 

My  boy,  my  boy !  asleep  with  that  rapt  smile 

Like  sunshine  flashed  upon  thy  cherub  face 

By  Angels  won. 

0  beauteous  casket !  with  adoring  gaze, 

Calmly  serene,  my  hungry  eyes  devour 

Its  wondrous  charms. 

Yet  deep,  deep,  deep  the  heavy,  dull  despair 

Down  crusheth  all  the  hope  and  joy  of  life, 

My  light  gone  out. 

How  like  a  surging  tide  the  thrilling  tale 

Of   thy   brief  life,   with   hallowed   memories 

sweeps 

Adown  the  past. 

Cradled  in  blisses  'neath  my  throbbing  heart, 
The  gurglings  of  maternal  tenderness 
Rippling  in  every  pulsing  gush  of  life, 
Sang  lullaby. 

Each  interest,  care,  emotion,  thought,  and  deed, 
Held  consecrate,  subservient  all  to  thee, 
That  thou  like  some  perfected  work  of  art 
Might'st  bless  the  earth. 
And  when  the  fierce  pangs  came,  how  grandly 

soared 

The  mother-love  in  triumph  o'er  the  pain, 
That  spake  fruition,  glad,  of  welcome  cares 
And  promised  joy. 


73 

Delicious  moment !  when  the  velvet  cheek 

First  softly  pressed  its  glowing  couch  of  rest, 

The  fluttering  lips  with  eager  instinct  sought 

Their  cup  of  life. 

What  waves  of  tenderness  swept  o'er  my  soul, 

As  fondly  in  my  arms  I  pressed 

The  tiny  hand,  the  lip,  and  cheek,  and  brow, 

And  listened  for  the  breath  that  scarcely  stirred 

Thy  pliant  form. 

And  on,  and  on,  through  all  the  love-lit  hours, 

How  did  I  revel  in  thy  guileless  love ! 

I  low  bathe  me  in  the  honey-dews  of  joy 

Exhaled  by  thy  rich  promise  of  great  worth 

And  kingly  power. 

And  I,  with  threads  of  silver  on  my  brow, 

Leaned  upon   thee  of   three  sweet   summers' 

growth, 

And  learned  high  lessons  of  the  rarest  lore, 
All  loth  to  wait  till  noble  manhood's  seal 
Should  make  thee  known. 
And  hath  grim  Death  defrauded  earth  and  me? 
Down  plucked  a  jewel  from  the  brow  of  life, 
Drowning  it  deep  in  dark  oblivion's  wave  ? 
Ah !  no,  no,  no !  in  a  brighter,  higher  school, 
That  priceless  germ  shall  gloriously  unfold, 
its  wealth  of  wisdom  and  delight 


74 


In  waves  of  calmest,  sweetest,  tend'rest  joy, 
Back  to  the  yearning  souls  whose  mighty  need 
Of  Heaven's  high   lore,   impelling  truth  and 

love, 
Forever    lift    them    upward    to    the    spheres 

above. 


PASS   BY. 

0  ANGEL  of  Death,  pass  by  !  pass  by ! 

1  shiver  with  fear  as  thou  drawest  nigh : 
Art  thou  not  sated  with  mothers'  tears, 
That  flow  in  rivers  adown  the  years? 
My  dove-eyed,  downy,  birdling  sweet 
Is  not  for  thy  chilling  embraces  meet ; 
Oh !  listen  for  once  to  Love's  wild  cry — 
Dread  Angel  of  Death,  pass  by !  pass  by ! 

Thy  rustling  wings  my  heart  appal ! 

She's  the  life  of  my  life,  my  only,  all : 

Some   new   germ    of   promise  each   morning 

springs, 

And  even  a  sweeter  endearment  brings ; 
A  healing  balm  from  her  dewy  lips, 
For  the  crushed  soul's  thirsting,  grieving,  drips, 
The  fainting  spirit  her  soft  clasp  stays 
With  soothing,  gladdening,  winsome  ways ; 
0,  listen  for  once  to  Love's  wild  cry- 
Dread  Angel  of  Death,  pass  by !  pass  by ! 


76 

The  last  bright  beam  in  a  darkened  day, 
The  last  sweet  bloom  in  a  desert  way, 
The  last  blest  drop  in  a  cup  brimmed  o'er 
With  grievous  grief  in  saddest  store ; 
Would'st  thou  wring  it  out  and  leave  me  there 
This  rayless  wo,  this  deep  despair  ? 
Nay !  listen  for  once  to  Love's  wild  cry — 
Dread  Angel  of  Death,  pass  by !  pass  by ! 

He  heard,  and  softly  revealed  to  sight, 
Stood  a  being  of  peace,  and  love,  and  light ; 
He  bore  my  blossom  with  tenderest  care 
Where  the  bowers  are  blest  and  the-breezes  fair, 
Removing  the  mantle  of  earthly  woes, 
Enrobing  in  blisses  and  rapt  repose ; 
And  the  bloom  of  her  beauty,  the  balm  of  her 

bliss, 

Beguileth  my  soul  with  a  waved  caress — 
When  he  calleth  again  I  will  sing  for  joy, 
"  Krhd  Angel  of  Death,  pass  me  NOT  by.' 


"COME  HOME." 

u  COME  home  to  thy  kindred,  come  home !  come 
home! 

To  the  hearts  of  the  loving  that  long  for  thee, 
come! 

Away  with  the  glooming,  the  shadows  of  earth! 

There's  a  light  in  the  window,  a  glow  on  the 
hearth, 

A  rapturous  welcome,  a  couch  of  repose, 

Sweet  rivers  of  healing  for  the  lightest  of  woes ; 

There's  a  tone  incomplete  while  the  best- 
beloved  roam — 

Come  home  to  thy  kindred,  come  home !  come 
home ! " 


77 


BUXTON  BROTHERS. 

CHARLES,    ALBERf,    HORACE SOLDIERS. 

"DEATH  loves  a  shining  mark!"     Was't  not 

enough, 

Thy  three-fold  aim  be  greatly,  grandly  bright ! 
Must   each  who  grieves  the  blow  be  victim 

choice  ? 
The  Honored  Sire,   with  Heaven's  fair  light 

gone  out 

The  kindly  eyes  that  speak  a  generous  soul , 
The    reverenced    mother,    many    lips    called 

blessed ; 

The  fond,  fair  widows  twain,  so  apt  to  grace 
The  titles,  means,  and  homage  of  success ; 
Each  should  have  moved  e'en  thy  stem  hand 

to  ruth ! 

0,  deadly  foul  must  be  the  stain  that  calls 
Such  sacrificial  blood  to  wipe  it  out 
And  yet,  0  stricken !  mark  the  triumphant  song 
A  Mary  heard  e'er  her  fierce  anguish  came ! 
How  slight  Death's  gain!  He  came  in  risen 

robes. 
Thus  Heaven  blesses  those  who  freely  lay 

Their  choicest  gifts  on  th'  altar  of  to-day. 

78 


J.   P.  BRYANT. 

I  DID  not  fear  to  die — ah,  no ! 

For  I  knew  I  had  a  friend 
In  the  great,  kind  Father  of  us  all, 

Who  would  his  Angels  send 
To  bear  me  from  the  deadly  strife 

Where  freely  I  had  thrown 
My  earnest,  brave,  frail  earthly  life. 

For  the  love  of  Right  alone. 
But  I  thought  of  thee,  my  fond  and  true 

Of  the  darlings,  mine  and  thine, 
And  my  soul. went  forth  in  love  and  prayer 

To  a  high  and  holy  shrine. 

»/ 

Went  forth  to  seek  its  own  again — 

Went  forth  to  them  and  thee ; 
Turn  not  in  tears  to  a  Southern  grave, 

Death  parts  not  thee  and  me ! 
A  husband's  love,  a  father's  care, 

Ye  have  not  lacked,  or  lost ; 
0,  calmly  rest  in  these  true,  strong  arms. 

My  own,  my  tempest-tost  I 

79 


ANNA. 

GENTLE  Anna,  loving  Anna, 

Gone  to  sleep  amid  the  flowers ; 
Sweet  her  memory,  little  charmer, 
Naught  of  earth  can  ever  harm  her 

Lost  to  sight,  yet  ever  ours, 
Glorious  in  her  angel  beauty 
Where  delight  and  love  are  duty, 
In  the  radiant,  heavenly  bowers. 


FOR  MARIAN'S  MOTHER. 

TRUST  in  God !  He  knoweth  best 
What  dear  soul  hath  need  of  rest ; 
Knoweth  who  hath  nerve  to  bear 
Life's  sad  weight  of  gnef  and  care ; 
Wafts  the  weary  from  their  woes,— 
Grudge  them  not  their  blest  repose. 


80 


FANNY. 

DEAREST  and  sweetest  of  girlie  pets, 
Eye-beams  of  azure,  and  curly  jets 
Golden  as  sunshine,  sheening  about 
Like  rays  from  thy  love-nature  gleaming  out; 
Singing  of  Angels,  and  dreaming  of  heaven ; 
Blessed  the  boon  the  good  Father  has  given, 
Safety  from  sorrow,  and  every  snare, 
Bathed  in  the  bliss  of  the  bright  "  Over  There." 
Lost  to  us  ?  nay !  thou  art  still  our  own, 
Sweeter  and  purer,  more  beautiful  grown. 


AMONG  THE  BLOSSOMS. 

SLEEPS  the  earth-form  'mong  the  blossoms, 

Darling  Nellie,  gleam  of  light, 
While  unfolds  in  Angel  bosoms 

Charms  too  fair  for  earthly  blight. 

4*  81 


LITTLE  LULIE. 

GERM  of  beauty,  too  refined 

In  the  earth  sphere  to  unfold; 
Loving  spirits,  fondly  kind, 

Won  thee  from  its  chilling  cold. 
But  the  tendrils  of  our  love, 

Oft  shall  draw  thee  to  our  side, 
From  the  bowers  where  Angels  rove, 

Still  our  treasure,  blessing,  pride, 
Teaching  us  the  placid  lore, 

Gladdening  yon  celestial  shore. 


82 


"BIRDIE." 

0  MINE  is  a  beautiful  home,  mama ! 

Your  "Birdie"  beloved  is  so  blest, 
'Neath  the  sheltering  wings  of  the  love  divine, 

In  the  glorious  heavenly  nest, 

0  mine  are"  the  happiest  songs,  mama, 

That  ever  a  "  Birdie  "  sang ! 
In  the  arbored  branches  that  never  fade, 

Where  the  dew-drops  of  happiness  hang ! 

And  mine  is  the  lovingest  heart,  mama, 
That  e'er  throbbed  in  a  "Birdie's"  breast; 

'Twill  swell  with  a  thrill  of  rapturous  joy 
When  I  welcome  you  home  to  the  nest ! 

But  I  would  not  come  for  you  now,  mama, 
He  needeth  the  light  of  your  love, 

My  father,  who  mourns  for  his  "Birdie"  flown, 
Far  more  than  I  need  it  "above. 


83 


84   ' 

But  often  I'll  come  with  my  songs,  mama, 
Let  the  spirit  ear  list  for  the  tone, 

In  the  home-nest  of  earth,  with  its  tenderest 

hearts, 
Your  "  Birdie  "  ne'er  leaves  you  alone. 


"ALLIE." 

SOFTLY,  softly — deep  as  death, 
Still  the  sigh  and  hush  the  breath, 
Softly — saddest  sorrow  weeps — 
Allie  sleeps ! 

Gently,  gently — Angels  glide 
Round  the  casket,  side  by  side, 
Gently  smile — while  sorrow  weeps — 
Allie  sleeps! 

Sweetly,  sweetly — songs  arise 
To  the  plains  of  Paradise, 
Sweetly — still,  sad  sorrow  weeps — 
Allie  sleeps ! 

Brightly,  brightly — gleams  a  star 
In  the  blue  of  Heaven  afar, 
Brightly — sorrow  dries  her  eyes — 
Allie  wakes  in  Paradise ! 


85 


ANTHA. 

IN  all  thy  weary  way,  0  tireless  Death, 

Could'st  thou  not  find  for  thee  a  fitter  prey? 
Some  time-worn  mourner,  hungering  for  thy 
breath  ? 

By  want,  and  wo,  and  terror,  held  at  bay  ? — 
Our  pride,  our  glory,  our  sweet  singing  bird, 

In  all  the  prime  of  Youth,  and  Hope,  and 

Love — 

Life  fraught  with  joy  till  all  its  deeps  were 
stirred— 

How  could' st  thou  smite  within  her  nest,  the 

Dove? 
Yet  not  to  thee,  0  Death !  we  look  beyond ! 

Thou'rt  but  the  agent  of  a  mightier  hand, 
That  waves  all  wisely  the  love-guided  wand, 

That  bids  thee  lead  to  yon  Elysian  land. 
0  !  safer  there  from  Life's  too  chilling  blasts 

Is  our  beloved,  and  we  her  bliss  may  share, 
For  love  like  hers  and  ours  forever  lasts ; 

We  thank  thee,  Father,  for  thy  tender  care. 

86 


LITTLE  WILLIE 

WILLIE,  sweet,  Willie,  sweet, 
Put  off  the  shoes  from  the  dimpled  feet ! 
Smooth  the  soft  hair,  the  pil!6w  place, 
Fold  snowy  drapery  over  the  face, 
Beautiful  hands  on  the  icy  breast ; 
Willie,  wee  darling,  is  with  the  blest. 

Willie,  sweet,  Willie,  sweet, 
Soon  on  the  sorrowless  shore  we'll  meet, 
Safe  to  the  glow  of  the  saintly  bliss, 
Welcomed  by  him  we  weep  to  miss ; 
Glorious  Faith!  bereft  of  fear- 
Willie,  wee  darling,  is  still  so  near. 


87 


EBBIE   AND   ANGIE. 

0  MY  little  ones!  my  jewels! 

0  my  dovelets,  all  too  fair! 
Was't  for  this  we  loved,  and  welcomed 

All  the  pain,  and  toil,  and  care  ? 
Was't  that  Death  might  taste  your  sweetness  ? 

Was't  to  feed  the  insatiate  grave, 
That  the  deeps  of  Love  parental 

Joyfully  its  treasures  gave  ? 
No !  ah,  no !   God  hath  not  mocked  us ! 

Radiant  on  a  brighter  shore 
They  are  waiting  in  their  beauty, 

They  are  ours  forever  more. 


88 


MRS.   GROVER. 

AH  !  yes,  it  is  cozily  pleasant ! 

White  cottage,  just  mellowed  with  green, 
With  its  comforts,  and  cheery  adornings, 

With  quietude  smiling  serene. 
But  sometimes  the  hush  groweth  painful, 

And  anon  it  is  peopled  throughout ; 
Then  fadeth  away  like  a  vision, 

While  the  past  glideth  swiftly  about: 
Look  yonder !  just  over  the  hill-tops  ; 

Catch  a  glimpse  of  the  orchard,  and  grove, 
And  the  roof  that  looms  up  in  the  distance ; 

0,  there  was  my  hey-day  of  love. 
There  I  walked  by  his  side  in  Life's  labors, 

How  easy  the  burden !  how  blest ! 
Though  eleven  were  the  sons  and  the  daughters, 

Evoking  Love's  highest  behest. 
Eleven,  as  the  years  hurried  onward, 

Sweet  forms  nestled  close  to  my  heart ; 
Grew  up,  strewing  love's  purest  jewels, 

Ere  the  Death- Angel  tore  us  apart. 


90 

Then  Edward,  my  pride  and  my  darling, 

Just  looking  so  manly  and  brave, 
With  sixteen  glad  years  of  acquiring, 

We  mournfully  laid  in  the  grave. 
0,  methought  'twas  a  terrrible  sorrow ! 

But  the  next  o'ershadowed  it  quite, 
When  they  laid  the  good  father  beside  him, 

And  hid  his  loved  form  from  my  sight; 
Then  faster,  and  faster,  and  faster, 

Came  the  summons  from  over  the  tide ; 
Ann,  Marcia,  sweet  Ella,  and  Ellen, 

Then  Mason  afar  from  me  died. 
The  others,  with  sons  and  with  daughters, 

Give  life  to  a  home  of  their  own, 
And  I  sit  me  down  'mong  the  shadows, 

Recalling  the  past,  all  alone. 
All  alone  ?  nay,  the  dear  ones  are  with  me, 

I  feel  the  rich  glow  of  their  love, 
And  they  whisper  me   through    the   hushed 
moments, 

"Hasten  home!  we  await  thee  above. 
We  await  thee  with  timbrels  and  dances, 

With  the  fruit  of  the  field  and  the  grove, 
With  the  wine  of  the  vine  and  the  fountain — 

Hasten  home  to  our  Eden  of  Love ! 


SERG.   GEORGE  P.   BLANCHARD. 

KILLED  WHILE  DEPENDING  A  BATTERY  AT  CEDAR  CREEK, 
OCT.  19TH,  1864. 

'TWAS  midnight.     Deepest  silence  reigned ; 

The  stalwart  soldier  prone,  asleep, 
Revelled  in  dreams  of  battles  gained, 

Exulting  climbed  Fame's  magic  steep ; 
Again  his  own  green  mountain  pressed, 

Engirt  with  honor,  crowned  with  bay, 
While  fair-browed  peace  his  country  blessed, 

And  ushered  in  Love's  gala  day. 
Then  by  his  very  rapture  roused, 

With  noiseless  step  and  gentle  hand, 
While  all  the  vast  encampment  drowsed, 

High  thoughts  to  household  idols  penned. 
"We're  safe  intrenched,  we're  bold  and  strong! 

We  falter  not,  or  fear ! 
Each  heart  throbs  patriotic  song, 

And  Victory  hov'reth  near. 
And  when  this  madness  is  wiped  out, 

Triumphant  we  shall  come, 

91 


92 


With  bounding  pulse,  with  glad'ning  shout, 

To  the  treasured  ones  at  home." 
But  morning  dawned !   'mid  fog  and  gloom. 

The  wily  foe,  with  subtle  skill, 
Like  a  sudden  thunderbolt  of  doom, 

On  the  unsuspecting  heroes  fell. 
0,  how  they  mow  them !  shell  and  shot 

Make  direst  havoc  !  lo,  they  break ! 
Disorderly  fly  the  fatal  spot, 

Captives  and  cannon  in  their  wake ! 
But,  like  an  adamantine  rock, 

Still  spouting  doom  and  fiery  death, 
One  battery  withstands  the  shock, 

One  martyr  faithful  unto  death 
Holds  firm  till  rings  the  clarion  tone 

Of  Sheridan's  fierce  rallying  cry, 
And  the  day  so  nearly  lost  is  won— 

He  standeth  firm,  alas !  to  DIE  ! 
"  0,  sad  the  news  my  pen  must  tell !  " 

Thus  wrote  a  comrade  kind, 
"  Your  husband,  father,  brother,  fell, 

But  he  hath  left  behind 
A  record  traced  in  fairest  lines, 

Of  bravest  loyal  zeal, 
And  reverent  Love  her  laurel  twines, 

Grief's  poignant  pangs  to  heal." 


'  93 

0,  aching  hearts !   0,  stricken  band ! 

0,  daughter,  swooning  like  the  dead ! 
0,  moaning,  grieving,  bleeding  land ! 

0,  frantic  War,  so  bloody  red ! 
Where  bides  the  pen  bedipped  in  flame, 

Such  woful  records  apt  to  trace  ? 
What  might  hast  thou,  high-sounding  Fame, 

Such  fearful  etchings  to  efface  ? 
And  yet,  look  up !   0  tempest-tost ! 

Look  up !  0  soul  with  anguish  riven  ! 
No  hope,  or  joy,  or  love,  is  lost; 

They're  garnered  safe  in  yon  bright  haven, 
Embalmed  for  thee  by  care  Divine, 

Safe  in  the  boundless  heart  of  Love! 
This  incense  to  thy  spirit's  shrine, 

Floats  from  Elysian  bowers  above. 
"  0  loving  friends  !   0  tender  hearts ! 

Be  comforted,  be  strong ; 
Each  joy,  or  grief,  some  tone  imparts 

To  the  grand  triumphal  song ; 
Some  needed  tone  to  swell  complete 

The  anthem  grand  and  high, 
Whose  harmonies  with  blisses  fleet 

Through  all  Eternity ; 
What  'vantage  then,  if  soon,  or  late, 

We  drop  the  grosser  dress 


94* 


That  veils  the  rapturous  estate 

Of  the  spirit's  happiness? 
Ay  !  only  veils,  not  separates, 

My  Charlie !  watchful  eyes 
Smile  upon  worth  from  Heaven's  gates, 

From  the  heights  of  Paradise." 


FREDDIE  KNOX, 

AGED  THREE. 

Just  at  the  last,  with  a  halo  of  brightness  irradia 
ting  his  sweet  features,  he  waved  his  hand  exultingly 
and  said,  "  See  the  babies,  mama,  see  the  babies." 

A  BEAUTIFUL  bud,  so  purely  sweet, 

So  bright  with  the  light  of  love, 
Sprang  up  in  the  heat  of  Earth's  weary  street, 
That  lest  it  be  trampled  by  careless  feet 

The  Angels  watched  above. 
And  the  cherubs  that  love  'neath  the  Tree  of 
Life, 

By  the  brink  of  the  River  of  God, 
Were  commisioned  to  gather  from  earthly  strife, 
And  bear  to  their  bowers,  with  beauty  rife, 

This  bud  from  its  lower  abode. 
He  saw  their  fleecy  white  garments  wave, 

Saw  their  radiant  features  fair,    . 
And  his  eyes  grew  bright  with  the  light  they 

lave, 
And  his  dimpled  hand  a  welcome  gave— 

"  See  the  babies,  the  babies  there  !  " 

95 


96 

They  gathered  him  up,  that  beautiful  band, 

The  sweetest  babe  of  them  all, 
To  walk  with  them  on  the  golden  strand. 
Still  gleams  the  wave  of  that  dimpled  hand — 

u  Corne  higher!  "  the  babies  call. 
"Why  weepest  thou,   mother,   with    gushing 
grief, 

Come  higher  and  taste  our  joy, 
AY  hen  bravely  borne  Life's  burden  brief, 
We  will  bring  thee  a  rapturous,  blest  relief, 

And  thy  tenderly  cherished  boy." 


F.DDIK  FRENCH 


"LET  ME  GO." 

"LET  me  go,  the  Angels  call  me — 

Mother,  darling,  let  me  go. 
See,  they're  waiting  all  around  me, 

And  the  fever  hurts  me  so — 
I  will  come  again  with  grandma, 

Mother,  can't  you  let  me  go  ?  " 

u  My  God,  he  is  dying — my  child,  my  child ; 
Out  from  my  Life-dream  the  day-star  is  hurled. 
Must  he  fade  like  a  dream,  and  no  semblance 

remain 

Of  the  beautiful  Angel  I've  given  to  Heaven  ? 
Alas!   the  rare  picture  I  hold  in  my  heart 
No  pencil  hath  painted  to  gladden  my  eyes ; 
0,  soul  of  my  soul !  I  will  fold  thee  so  fast 
The  dread  Angel  of  Death  can  not  tear  us 
apart." 

"Let  me  go,  the  Angels  call  me — 
Mother,  darling,  let  me  go.. 

Grandma  says  'tis  so  much  better,' 

5  97 


98 


And  the  fever  hurts  me  so — 
You  shall  have  my  spirit  picture 
If  you'll  only  let  me  go." 

u  Do  I  dream  that  I  love  him,  yet  hold  him  in 

pain 
From  the  bright  ones  who  seek  him  to  share 

their  delight  ? 

0,  cruel  affection!  0,  blinded  self-love — 
Nay!  go,  O,  my  darling,  and  bless  me  from 

Heaven." 

By  her  hearthstone,  sad  and  dreary, 

Many,  many  miles  away, 
Sat  a  widow,  near  Life's  sunset, 

Holding  sternest  want  at  bay. 
"One  crust  more — alas!  'tis  mouldy; 

Father,  has  it  come  to  this  ?  " 
Straight  there  shone  a  golden  glory — 

Straight  there  fell  a  shower  of  bliss ; 
Two  bright  forms  appeared  beside  her, 

One  of  age,  and  one  a  child. 
"  Sketch  my  darling,"  said  the  elder, 

"And  your  empty  board  is  filled." 
Then  a  strange  skill  seized  her  fingers, 

And  the  sweet  face  of  the  boy, 


99 


Perfect  in  its  manly  beauty, 

Radiant  in  its  Heaven-born  joy, 

Cheered  the  heart  of  the  lone  mother, 
Touched  her  soul  with  generous  love. 

Smiled  the  widow  in  her  plenty, 
And  the  Angels  smiled  above. 


CAUGHT  IN  THE   PICKER. 

"  Now,  Michee,  my  laddie,  be  careful ; 

Those  flying  teeth,  don't  get  too  near — 
It  frets  me  to  think  you're  in  danger, 

My  heart  freezeth  fast  with  its  fear. 
My  brave  one,  so  pleasant  and  willing, 

Ever  ready  of  hand  and  of  heart ; 
In  the  strife  for  dear  life  that  is  needful, 

So  manlike  in  doing  your  part. 
'Tis  true,  we've  nine  others  beside  you, 

But  never  a  one  could  we  spare, 
And  you,  0,  my  heart  would  be  broken ! 

So,  Michee,  beloved,  have  a  care." 

"  0,  never  you  fret  for  me,  mother, 
.     For  I'm  just  the  lad  you  will  prove 
To  bear  you  safe  over  Life's  breakers, 
To  a  palace  of  plenty  love." 

"My  God!  what  is  this  they  are  telling? 
"My  God!  whaCs  the  sight  that  I  see? 

1QO 


101 


My  Michee,  all  wounded  and  bleeding, 

With  his  death-hurt,  they're  bringing  to  me." 

"  Now,  never  you  fret  for  me,  mother, 

I've  just  'cut  across'  to  my  home, 
And  I'll  live  for  you  still,  bless  and  love  you, 

And  care  for  you  all  till  you  come. 
0,  fondest  and  faithfulest  mother ! 

'Twere  sad  if  with  ten  by  your  side, 
You'd  never  an  angel  in  Glory 

To  welcome  you  over  the  tide. 
Until  then  I  am  watchfully  near  you, 

Bringing  comfort  and  strength  from  above, 
I'm  the  better  to  guide  o'er  the  breakers 

To  God's  blessed  sunshine  and  love." 


JENNIE. 

0,  HOW  we  miss  thee  !  beauteous,  suff 'ring  one ! 

Bound  faster  to  our  hearts  by  every  pain ; 
Wide,  pleading  eyes,  with  lustre  all  their  own, 

How  will  they  thrill  us  when  we  meet  again ! 
0,  help  us  thank  thee !  kindest  Father,  God, 

For  the  blest  privilege  to  present  to  Thee 
So  sweet  an  off'ring  for  the  blest  abode, 

Where,  with  our  treasures,  soon  we'll  gar 
nered  be. 


102 


CLARA. 

ME  THOUGHT  those  pattering,  fairy  feet, 

Would  supply  my  faltering  need, 
That  amid  all  the  bitterness,  so  much  of  sweet 

Would  ever  be  mine  indeed. 
And  a  beautiful  fabric,  of  light  and  love, 

Hope  wove  with  tenderest  care ; 
And  the  warp  and  the  woof  was  my  idol,  my 
dove, 

And,  lo !  she  is  sleeping  there. 
O,  to  lay  her  away  in  the  dreary  mold, 

My  beautiful,  winsome  one, 
My  spirit  moaned,  and  my  heart  grew  cold, 

While  I  murmured,  "  Thy  will  be  done." 
"  Sing  glory,  papa,  sing  glory,"  she  said, 

And  her  feeble  voice  joined  in  the  strain ; 
Then,  "  dear  mama,  Jennie,  so  dear,"  and  laid 

Her  head  on  my  heart  again. 
"  Blessed  the  little  ones,  trust  in  God," 

I  will,  my  soul,  I  will, 
And  when  the  lowly  vale  I  have  trod, 

We  will  meet  on  the  heavenly  hill. 

103 


JULIA. 

GONE,  gone  from  the  bosom, 

Pet  lamb  of  the  fold  ; 
Thy  jetty  curls  drooping, 

Thy  loving  heart  cold. 
We  shall  miss  thee,  and  mourn  thee, 

Our  idolized  one, 
But  'tis  well  with  thee,  darling, 

Let  God's  will  be  done. 


ABBIE. 

ABBY,  sister,  Julia  calls, 

Bliss  is  lone  without  thee ; 
Fondest  mother,  do  not  mourn, 

We  are  still  about  thee , 
Radiant,  glorious  arms  entwined, 

Singing  songs  of  Gladness, 
Think  of  this,  ye  loved  ones  kind, 

Grieve  us  not  with  sadness. 


104 


MINNIE. 

WINSOME  Minnie,  blithesome  Minnie, 
Glowing  sunbeam,  ray  of  light ! 

How  we  wept  when  kindred  Angels 
Bore  our  darling  from  our  sight. 

Yet,  oft  as  the  morning  breaketh, 
While  we  greet  the  golden  dawn, 

Nestling  to  our  hearts,  she  cometh 
With  soft  whispers, — petted  fawn. 

And  as  twilight  flings  its  shadows 

O'er  our  little  clust'ring  band, 
Then  again  we  hear  her  music ; 

Clasp  the  little  dimpled  hand. 

Arid  we're  waiting,  trustful  waiting, 
For  the  hour  so  fraught  with  bliss, 
When  her  radiant  spirit  beauty 

Greets  us  in  its  loveliness. 

5*  105 


THE  LAME  GIRL. 

I'M  not  a  "  lame  girl,"  now,  mother, 

My  feet  are  well  and  strong 
To  follow  where  the  Angels  lead 

As  I  learn  the  glad,  new  song ; 
A  song  so  full  of  love  divine, 

Of  deep,  delicious  bliss ; 
Methinks  you,  too,  must  thrill  with  joy, 

Must  share  the  happiness. 

You  loved  to  hear  me  sing,  mother, 

I  think  you  loved  me  more, 
For  the  weight  of  helpless  suffering 

Your  poor  lame  daughter  bore  ; 
0  !  how  your  kind  heart  must  rejoice 

To  think  relief  has  come ; 
That  she  roams  serene  in  the  healing  shade 

By  the  river  banks  of  home. 


106 


ONLY   ONE. 

"  ONLY  one — our  noble  hearted, 

Only  one — our  pride  and  strength, 
Only  one — and  he  departed, 
•  Only  one — alone,  at  length. 
Just  as  promise  touched  fruition, 

Just  as  manhood's  glory  broke — 
0,  the  sad,  heart-rent  rendition ! 

0,  the  fearful,  death-dealt  stroke  ! 
Childless — through  the  lengthening  shad 
ows, 

Childless — down  the  dreary  slope, 
Childless — 0,  the  void  it  telleth,  ' 

Childless — knell  of  highest  hope." 
Nay !  0,  nay !  a  bright  form  glideth, 

Ever  radiant,  by  your  side  : 
Nay !   0,  nay !  the  life  abideth, 

Springing  from  love's  living  tide ; 
Only  gone  to  nobler  teachers, 

Only  gone  to  a  fitter  clime ; 

107 


108 

Waiting  to  rehearse  their  glories 
When  the  true  life  bursts  sublime — 

Blessing  all  the  lengthening  shadows, 
Gilding  the  love-hallowed  slope, 

Crowning,  in  the  gorgeous  dawning, 
Higher  than  the  highest  hope. 


HOW  I  LONGED  FOR  THEE. 


WHEN  the  fever  pangs  were  raging, 

How  I  longed  for  thee ! 
When  with  Death  fierce  contest  waging, 

How  I  longed  for  thee ! 
Longed  for  one  more  kindly  token, 
One  more  pledge  of  ties  unbroken, 
Words  of  love  by  thy  lips  spoken — 

One  more  glimpse  of  thee. 

Roaming,  now,  in  realms  supernal, 

Still  I  turn  to  thee  ! 
Revelling  in  joys  eternal, 

Still  I  turn  to  thee ! 
Long  to  clasp  thee,  and  caress  thee,  1 
Soothe  thee,  cheer  thee,  guard  and  bless  thee, 
With  my  presence  to  impress  thee — 

Turning  e'er  to  thee. 

109 


110 

Should  the  way  seein  dark  before  thee, 

Darling,  turn  to  me ! 
Should  a  shadow  gather  o'er  thee, 

Darling,  turn  to  me ! 
I  will  cherish,  shelter,  guide  thee, 
That  no  ill  may  e'er  betide  thee, 
Roaming  evermore  beside  thee — 

Darling,  trust  in  me. 

Soon  thine  earthly  lessons  ended, 

Thou  wilt  haste  to  me  ! 
Soon  in  endless  blisses  blended, 

We  will  wander  free ! 
Where  the  air  is  brightest,  purest, 
Happiness  completest,  surest, 
Bound  by  ties  for  aye  securest — 

Evermore  with  me. 


"HE  NEVER   SAW  HIS   FATHER." 

HE  never  saw  his  father, 

My  beautiful !  my  boy  ! 
Those  glorious  eyes  to  an  orphanhood 

Awoke  in  their  baby  joy ! 

He  never  saw  his  father ! 

Poor  darling — wo  is  me ! 
0 !  that  the  foe  that  dealt  his  death 

Could  but  have  looked  at  thee ! 

He  never  saw  his  father! 

0 !  with  what  manly  pride 
He  would  have  held  thee  to  his  breast, 

While  gushed  the  deep  love-tide ! 

He  never  saw  his  father ! 

The  dream  of  Eden  bliss 
That  thrilled  our  souls  with  wild  delight, 

How  could  it  end  in  this  ? 

Ill 


112 

He  never  saw  his  father ! 

My  heart,  my  heart  will  break ! 
0,  who  will  guide  thy  tender  steps, 

And  struggle  for  thy  sake  ? 

For  thine  and  mine,  my  beautiful ! 

Since  in  a  southern  grave 
Lies  buried  deep  the  brave,  true  heart 

We  would  have  died  to  save. 

The  light  has  gone  from  out  thy  life, 
And 'mine  is  deepest  gloom; 

0 !  that  we  were  with  him  asleep 
Within  that  southern  tomb. 

"Not  so,  beloved,  ah,  no !  not  so — 

For  ye  I'm  living  yet ; 
That  blissful  dream  will  never  fade, 

Love's  sun  will  never  set." , 

"  Live  on,  to  give  and  take  delight ! 

Live  on,  in  placid  faith ! 
The  love  that  shelters  thee  and  thine 

Is  mightier  far  than  death." 


"LITTLE  WARRIE." 

ARE  you  grieving,  Ma,  my  darling, 

For  your  little  Warrie  still, 
While  the  sad  sighs  heave  your  bosom, 

And  the  tears  your  sweet  eyes  fill  ? 

> 

Please  remember,  Ma,  my  darling, 
The  brave  words  your  Warrie  said 

Ere  the  Angels  bore  him  upward, 

"Why  should  any  mourn  the  dead?" 

Sweetest,  brightest,  Ma,  my  darling, 
To  your  heart  your  Warrie  seemed, 

But  of  this,  the  A'ngel  beauty, 

You  the  half  have  never  dreamed. 

0,  be  joyful !  Ma,  my  darling, 

This  is  now  your  Warrie's  prayer, 

For  no  shade  can  mar  the  brightness 
If  you'll  but  my  blisses  share. 


113 


THREE  ON  EARTH  AND  THREE  IN  HEAVEN. 

THREE  sweet  girls — Three  darling  boys, 
Priceless  jewels,  crowning  joys, 
Life  and  love  to  me  have  given, 
Three  on  earth — and  three  in  Heaven. 

Three  to  brighten  toil  and  care — 
Three  to  catch  each  whispered  prayer, 
Three  to  cheer  me  while  I  wait — 
Three  to  meet  me  at  the  gate. 

Three  the  earthly  home  to  grace — 
Three  to  consecrate  a  place 
To  receive  me  when  in  death 
Droops  the  mortal,  sleeps  the  breath. 

Glorious  Life,  and  glorious  Love ! 
Blessed  here,  and  blest  above : 
Praises  for  the  Angels  given — 
Three  on  earth — and  three  in  Heaven. 

114 


THEY  WILL  NOT  LISTEN. 

WHY  clingest  thou  to  shroud  and  pall, 

O,  Earth !  with  floods  of  weeping  ? 
Why  yieldest  thou  a  passive  thrall  ? 

Dread  Death  thy  dungeon  keeping. 
With  thoughts  aglow  with  living  fire, 

Words  with  joy-dews  aglisten, 
We  come,  your  loved  ones,  nigher,  nigher — 

0,  if  ye  will  but  listen ! 


"My  brother,  from  the  cradle  on 

By  blest  affection  hallowed, 
Who  feeling  half  thy  sunlight  gone, 

My  cold  form  moaning  followed. — 
I  stretch  my  hands  to  touch  thine  eyes, 

My  own  with  love  aglisten, 
And  murmur  truths  to  hush  thy  sighs — 

Ah,  me !  he  will  not  listen. 

115 


116 

Sweet  sister — of  my  fluctuous  years 

The  loveliest  part,  and  brightest, 
I'd  fain  transmute  to  bliss  thy  tears 

When  death  and  the  grave  affrightest. 
I  yearn  to  meet  thee,  soul  to  soul, 

With  Heaven's  delights  aglisten, 
Proving  the  glories  of  Life's  goal — 

But,  0  !  she  will  not  listen. 

"  Father  revered — I  would  repay 

The  debt  of  love  I  owe  thee; 
Rend  from  thine  eyes  the  veil  away, 

Thy  buried  treasures  show  thee. 
To  thee  with  glory -beams  of  light, 

With  eagerness  aglisten, 
I  hasten  with  all  loving  might — " 

Alas !  he  will  not  listen. 

"  Best,  fondest  mother — surely  thou 

Wilt  catch  each  whispered  token; 
By  thy  pure,  tender  spirit,  who 

E'er  found  hope's  promise  broken  ? 
A  child  of  thine  ne'er  called  in  vain, 

0,  welcome  me,  aglisten 
With  the  old-time  love  I  crave  again — " 

My  God !  she  will  not  listen. 


117 

"My  mightier  self — my  soul's  high  lord 

Great  heart  my  own  enshrining, 
Despite  the  murky,  veiling  sward, 

In  thy  folded  arms  reclining, 
I'll  tell  thee  of  Elysianjoys, 

"With  Eden's  bliss  aglisten, 
Unmixed  with  Earth's  too  apt  alloys — " 

Heaven  help !  he  will  not  listen. 

"My  girl — my  boy — fair  idols  twain, 

Holiest  and  richest  treasures, 
My  kingdom,  sceptre,  and  my  crown, 

Concent'ring  all  life's  pleasures ; 
Poor,  loveful  hearts,  aweeping  blood ! 

Sweet  eyes  with  tears  aglisten, 
Ye  are  not  motherless  !  " — 0,  God ! 

'Tis  vain,  they  will  not  listen. 

0,  Earth,  Earth,  Earth !  how  long,  how  long 

Wilt  thou  hug  the  bonds  that  thrall  thee  ? 
And  vainly  to  the  victor's  song 

Thy  re-born  children  call  thee? 
With  faith  and  joy,  with  light  and  love, 

Celestial  comers  glisten ; 
Deep  gloom  of  darkness,  swift  remove — 

Our  loved  ones  soon  shall  listen. 


118 


Then  life  will  lose  its  bitterness. 

And  Earth  forget  her  sorrow, 
While  the  weary-hearted  catch  the  gleam 

Of  the  glad,  immortal  morrow. 
And  over  all,  resplendently, 

Truth's  bow  of  promise  glisten, 
When  to  God's  messengers  of  love 

All  shall  delighted  listen. 


the 


119 


WAITING. 

WAITING,  waiting,  half  impatient, 

For  the  influx  of  the  tide 
From  Truth's  swelling,  boundless  Ocean, 

Waiting  by  the  water's  side. 
Waiting,  waiting — roll  ye  billows, 

Meet  this  eager,  wild  desire, 
Praying,  hoping,  half  despairing, 

Reft  of  power  save  to  aspire. 
Waiting,  waiting — filled  with  echoes 

Of  the  ocean's  grand  old  voice ; 
Longing  to  peal  forth  an  anthem, 

Bidding  all  the  world  rejoice. 
Waiting,  waiting — all  my  being 

Pouring  one  beseeching  strain, 
"Bear  me  bravely  on  thy  bosom, 

0,  thou  glorious,  heaving  main ! " 
Waiting,  waiting — rapt  with  worship 

By  Truth's  gurgling  water  side ; 
Waiting,  yearning  in  my  weakness, 

For  the  influx  of  the  tide. 

«  121 


122 

Waiting,  waiting — 0,  ye  blest  ones, 

Radiant  on  the  other  shore ; 
For  your  guidance,  your  assistance, 

To  re-echo  ocean's  roar. 
Waiting,  waiting — 0,  ye  billows, 

Onward,  outward,  bear  my  bark ; 
High  uprearing  progress'  beacon, 

Glad'ning  souls  with  error  dark. 
Waiting,  waiting — is  it  vainly 

That  I  wait,  and  plead,  and  pray  ? 
All  this  struggling,  deep  desiring, 

Must  it  fruitless  be  for  aye  ? 
Nay !   God  will  not  mock  his  children, 

Will  not,  when  they  cry  for  bread, 
Mock  their  craving  with  a  pebble — 

Hungry  soul,  thou  shalt  be  fed  ! 
Fed  with  richest,  full  fruition. 

Stay  thou  by  Truth's  ocean  side, 
Lo  !   the  Angels  move  the  waters, 

Lo !  the  influx  of  the  tide  ! 
Waiting,  waiting — 0,  be  patient ! 

Waiting  God's  own  will  and  way. 
Gird  thee  for  the  coming  conflict, 

There's  a  needs  be  for  tin  stay. 
Waiting  till  the  voice  Yv'iuiin  thee 

Gain  the  fullness  of  its  power, 


123 


Waiting  till  thine  armor  fit  thee, 

Waiting  till  the  fitting  hour. 
Waiting,  yet  be  striving,  doing — 

Filled  with  Faith — and  Hope — and  Love, 
Waiting,  catching  all  the  teachings 

Floating  from  the  spheres  above. 
Waiting  till  Love's  holy  calling 

Thou  canst  honor  and  adorn, 
Till  thy  faltering,  mortal  weakness, 

Be  by  strength  divine  upborn. 
Waiting  till  Truth's  grand  old  ocean, 

Swelling,  bear  thee  from  its  side,    • 
Out  upon  the  clear,  blue  waters, 

By  the  influx  of  the  tide. 
Thou  shalt  reap  the  blest  fruition 

Of  thy  waiting  by  Truth's  sea ; 
Lo  I  a  tranced  baptismal  blessing, 

As  a  mantle,  foldeth  thee. 
Thorny  crowns  shall  gleam  in  glories, 

Desert  paths  as  Eden  bloom, 
Golden  sheaves  in  grand  Aurora's 

From  the  gloaming  fan  the  gloom. 


. 


LISTEN  TO  THE  VOICES! 

0 !  LISTEN  to  the  voices  that  whisper  thee,  whis 
per  thee — 

Angel  voices. 

Sweet  are  the  tidings  they  bring  to  thee,  bring 
to  thee — 

Heaven  rejoices ! 

Come  out  into  the  sunlight,  cloud-covered  soul ! 
Lave  in  the  love-light,  drink  from  the  bowl 
Dipt  in  the  wave  where  the  Life-waters  roll — 

Sweet  are  the  songs  of  the  voices. 

Eager,  loving  spirits  are  beck'ning  thee,  beck'- 

ning  thee — 
"Come  up  hither! 
The  beautiful  blossoms  we  bring  to  thee,  bring 

to  thee — 
Never  wither. 

We'll  enwreathe  thee  with  garlands,  will  bless 
thee  with  love, 

124 


125 

We'll  lift  thee  in  triumph  life's  trials  above, 
By  the  power  of  inspiration  thy  ready  lips  we'll 
1     move — 
0,  hasten  thee,  hasten  thee  hither ! " 

I 
0 !  listen  to  the  voices  that  plead  with  thee, 

plead  with  thee — 
"  Kindred  spirit. 
Glorious  our  labor!    we  have  need  of  thee, 

need  of  thee — 
Come  share  its  merit ! 

As  legions  of  glad  Angels  engirt  the  Nazarene, 
As  Moses  and  Elias  on  the  sacred  mount  were 

seen, 

Thus  cheering  and  sustaining  thee  in  blessed 
ness  serene — 
We'll  labor  together,  sweet  spirit." 


<»"}}{  rigmnht  ni 
r  dt  noivt-  | 

1 
NINEVAH, 

9 

NOT  with  a  Jonah's  anathema, 

f*F*^~J       I VII  TT         i."-*^-  •      4        w*  *^^^^^^^^HP'       - 

Ninevah !   0,  Ninevah ! 
Come  the  legions  of  light  to  thce  to-day, 

Ninevah!   0,  Ninevah! 
But  to  rear  the  banner  of  'self-reliance, 
Serene  in  the  strength  of  truth's  defiance ; 
Gird  on  the  armor  of  Spirit  lore, 
List  to  the  friends  who  have  gone  before, 
And  glory  shall  crown  thee  from  the  other  shore, 

Ninevah!   0,  Ninevah! 

• 
The  tallest  of  oaks  from  acorns  prow, 

Ninevah !   0,  Ninevah ! 
Thy  sowers  may  seem  to  thee  weak  and  low, 

Ninevah !   0,  Ninevah ! 
But  only  be  strong  in  the  cause  of  right, 
Labor  unwearied  with  fervid  might, 
And  a  glorious  harvest  of  light  and  power 
Shall  reward  the  toil  of  each  weary  hour, 
Till  thou  art  no  more  a  Babel-tower, 

Ninevah !   0,  Ninevah ! 

126 


127 

True,  thou  art  shadowed  with  many  a  shade, 

Ninevah!   0,  Ninevah! 
But  our  unseen  forces  are  round  thee  laid, 

Ninevah!   0,  Ninevah! 
Only  unite  and  persevere, 
Reach  trustingly  forth  to  a  brighter  sphere ; 
Strong  in  the  faith  of  a  higher  life, 
Strive  with  an  eager,  aspiring  strife— 
Lo !  the  Future  with  harmony  shall  be  rife, 

Ninevah!  0,  Ninevah! 

Write  thee  a  name !  write  thee  a  name ! 

Ninevah  !   0,  Ninevah ! 
That  shall  shine  afar,  like  sheeted  flame, 

Ninevah!   0,  Ninevah! 
An  unwritten  page,  a  field  is  thine ! 
Plant  thee  a  vineyard,  prune  the  vine ! 
Build  thee  a  tower  to  reach  the  skies ; 
We  await  but  thy  calling,  "Arise !  arise !  " 
To  fill  thee  with  wonder  and  glad  surprise, 

Ninevah!  0,  Ninevah! 


BESSIE. 

OPENING  up  to  thy  favored  youth, 

Gleaming  in  radiant  brightness, 
Life's  pictured  glory  with  promise  ruth, 

Filleth  thy  soul  with  lightness. 
We'll  tell  thee  how  to  fasten  the  glow 

Of  Hope,  and  Joy,  and  Beauty ; 
Be  this  the  motto,  whatever  you  do, 

"Truth,  and  Trust,  and  Duty!" 

There's  nothing  to  fright  thee,  nothing  to  fear! 

Goodness  divine  is  guiding 
Over  the  trials,  the  toil,  the  care, 

To  happiness  abiding. 
Only  heed  the  light  divine, 

Guiding  thee  onward  in  beauty, 
And  bear  this  banner  to  every  shrine, 

"  Faith,  and  Love,  and  Duty !  " 

128 


129 

Worship  in  deeds  of  charity ! 

Pray  by  acts  of  kindness! 
No  penance  we'll  require  of  thee 

But  growing  out  of  blindness! 
Live  for  the  right,  and  purely  win 

A  wreath  of  inner  beauty ; 
Bearing  this  standard  amid  Earth's  din, 

"Harmony  and  Duty." 

Angel  hands  shall  lead  thee  on, 

Mother-love  surround  thee, 
Till  thine  earthly  task  is  done — 

The  fetters  loosed  that  bound  thee. 
Then  thou'lt  find  whate'er  of  bloom, 

Whate'er  of  bliss  and  beauty, 
Earned  by  effort  hither  come, 

Crowning  well- wrought  Duty. 

6» 


"SISTER  AGNEZ." 

MORTALS  called  me  Sister  Agnez, 

When  I  worshipped  in  the  form ; 
In  my  youth  life's  tidal  current 

Gushed  delighted,  glad  and  warm. 
Purest  azure,  dewy,  dreamy, 

Deep  and  tender,  soulful  eyes, 
Wavy  wealth  of  radiant  tresses, 

Golden-tinged  as  sunset  skies. 
Pure,  broad  brow,  with  dainty  veining, 

Pearly  tints,  and  oval  lines, 
Thought  lit  smile  of  Angel  sweetness, 

Scarce  the  fair  contour  defines. 
And  my  heart  with  every  beauty, 

Every  sweet,  caressing  word, 
Revelled  in  bliss-haunted  visions, 

Quavered  like  the  humming  bird. 
0!  the  rapturous  joy  of  living! 

High  ambitions !  holy  aims ! 
Gorgeous-hued  anticipations! 

Brilliant,  rainbow-tinted  dreams. 

130 


181 

But,  as  to  my  widened  vision 

Came  earth's  sterner  cares  and  fears, 
And  the  smiles  so  glad  and  glowing 

Oft-times  were  bedewed  with  tears- 
Shrinking  like  the  sweet  mimosa, 

From  the  chill  of  mortal  strife ; 
Wrongs,  and  errings,  grievings,  blightings- 

How  I  craved  a  higher  life ; 
Longed  to  rise  o'er  the  imperfect, 

Leaving  all  the  dross  behind, 
And  life's  purest,  richest  treasures, 

Holiest  founts  of  feeling  find. 
Dazzled  by  the  outward  seeming, 

By  the  sacred  semblance  given, 
Took  the  vestal  veil,  believing 

Thus  to  be  the  bride  of  Heaven ; 
Thus  to  shut  out  all  the  jarring, 

And  in  ecstacy  divine, 
In  seraphic,  rapt  communion, 

Slake  the  soul-thirst  as  with  wine. 
0  !  the  fearful,  dread  awaking 

From  that  thrilling  dream  of  bliss ; 
0 !  the  shud'ring  that  o'ertakes  me 

To  recall  the  dread  abyss 
Of  remorse,  and  vain  regretting, 

At  the  crucifixion,  base, 


Of  the  beauteous  self-hood  given 

Me  to  cherish,  culture,  grace  ! 
Prostrate  on  the  cold,  damp  flagstone 

Of  my  dreary,  dismal  cell, 
Counting  beads,  long  prayers  reciting, 

From  my  eyes  the  scales  soon  fell. 
But  too  late  I  learned  the  lesson, 

And  the  weary,  snail-paced  years 
Came  and  went  with  troops  of  phantoms — 

Buried  joys,  and  fruitless  tears ; 
Came  and  went  with  added  terrors, 

Till  my  spirit  frantic  grew 
With  its  weight  of  wo  unspoken, 

With  its  yearnings  for  the  true. 
Reaching  forth  its  gaunt,  weird  fingers, 

Drew  a  gibbering  demon  near, 
Almost  clutching  my  poor  heart-strings, 

Almost  grasping — 'twas  Despair. 
Fainting  at  the  fearful  spectre, 

Piercingly  I  cried  to  Heaven! 
When,  0,  joy !  a  beatific 

Vision  to  my  sight  was  given. 
With  a  presence  soul  entrancing, 

With  a  soothing  ne'er  expressed 
By  your  feeble,  earth-life  language, 

Came  to  me  a  spirit  blest : 


133 

Murmured  words  of  fond  endearing, 

Laid  a  gentle  hand  in  mine, 
Said,  "  Dear  sister,  tried  and  faithful, 

Never,  never  more  repine. 
Thou  no  more  alone  shalt  languish, 

We  will  all  thy  burdens  share — 
Long  we've  sought  to  prove  our  presence, 

That  we  might  relieve  thy  care." 
0 !  the  blessedness  they  brought  me ! 

0,  the  treasures  of  their  love! 
Till  the  earth  ties  gently  sundered, 

And  I  soared  with  them  above. 
Then  I  prayed  them,  "  0,  beloved  ones, 

All  my  soul's  with  pity  thrilled 
For  the  pure,  aspiring  fair  ones, 

Blind  as  I,  with  error  filled. 
Send,  0,  send  me  to  enlighten ! 

Let  me  save  them  from  the  fate 
/  have  suffered,  for  none  taught  we, 

And  I  learned  the  truth  too  late. 
Not  alone  in  cell,  and  cloister, 

Folded  closely  to  the  breast, 
Is  this  monster,  viper,  error, 

Rend'ring  earth-life  so  unblest. 
But  by  many  a  cherished  hearth-stone, 

O'er  the  blossoms  of  the  heart, 


134 

Traileth  its  dank,  deadly  virus, 

Bidding  cheerfulness  depart. 
Bid  me  tell  them,  0,  beloved  ones, 

That  the  Father  smileth  not 
On  vain  penance,  soul-afflicting 

Sacrifice  with  sorrow  fraught ; 
But  the  blessed  consecration 

He  requires  is  simply,  this : 
To  improve  with  love  most  holy 

Every  source  of  happiness  ; 
Not  in  idle,  selfish  pleasure, 

Seeking  their  own  good  alone, 
But  with  noble,  grand  endeavor, 

Life's  true  glory  making  known." 
Then  they  gathered  all  their  forces, 

And  their  batteries  gently  threw 
O'er  this  feeble,  humble  mortal, 

And,  dear  friends,  I  come  to  you — 
Come  with  deepest,  pure  emotion, 

With  a  love  no  words  can  tell, 
Bidding  you  e'er  trust  His  goodness, 

Who  doeth  wisely,  all  things  well. 
Bidding  you  fee  temples,  holy, 

Consecrated  to  the  right ; 
Not  in  sadness,  but  delighting 

In  his  blessings,  bounteous,  bright-, 


135 

For  He  who  with  such  wond'rous  beauty 

Decked  the  mountain,  dell  and  plain, 
Tinged  the  clouds  that  bathe  in  ether, 

Tuned  old  Ocean's  heaving  main, 
Filled  the  form  that  clothes  the  spirit 

With  such  varied  founts  of  bliss, 
Frowns  upon  the  vain  presumption 

That  forbiddeth  happiness. 
Nay !  delight  is  but  a  duty, 

Speaking  gratitude  and  love, 
And  the  worship  that  He  loveth 

Is  the  joy  that  lifts  above 
Gloomy  doubting,  dark  foreboding, 

Fearing,  and  repining  sad, 
Leaving  naught  but  faith  sublimest, 

Loving  trust  that  maketh  glad. 
Then  be  happy,  ever  happy ! 

Freely  give  as  ye  receive, 
Blessings,  favors,  kindest  tokens ; 

Blooming  garlands  thus  ye'll  weave, 
That  shall  blossom  on  forever, 

Speaking  with  aroma  sweet, 
Of  the  goodness  of  the  giver, 

Strewing  mercies  for  your  feet. 
Ay !  be  happy  !  mold  in  beauty 

The  true  self-hood  God  has  given ; 


136 

Thus  the  spirit  highest  soareth, 

Thus  ye'll  be  the  brides  of  Heaven. 

Sometimes  think  of  Sister  Agnez, 
Of  her  tortured,  wasted  years, 

And,  0 !  join  her  in  her  labors 
To  dispel  false  faith  and  fears." 


HYGIENE. 

[INVOCATION.] 

HYGIENIA!  Hygiene! 
Of  fairest  nymphs  the  peerless  queen, 
Ne'er  was  love  so  eager  sought 
As  I  woo  thee — fly  me  not! 
Hours  of  languor — weary  days 
Slowly  pass  their  dreary  ways, 
While  for  thee  I  sighing  pine — 
Hygienia,  0,  be  mine. 

Glowing  with  celestial  red 
Come  with  thy  elastic  tread ; 
Nimble-footed,  brave  and  strong, 
All  my  soul  would  gush  in  song, 
Could  I  fold  thee  to  my  breast, 
Shutting  out  this  vague  unrest — 
I  implore  thee,  pleading  prone, 
Hygienia,  be  mine  own ! 


137 


138 

Strong  in  fhee,  life's  burden,  great, 
Loses  its  o'ercrushing  weight ; 
Blest  with  thee,  life's  darksome  night 
Glows  at  eventide  with  light. 
Without  thee  I  falter,  faint — 
Hear  me,  heed  me,  favor  grant ! 
The  aspiring  soul  to  conquest  lead — 
Hygiene,  be  mine  indeed ! 

Health  of  body,  spirit,  soul, 
Holding  wise  and  pure  control, 
Giving  color,  strength  and  tone 
To  the  strivings  through  them  shown, 
Yielding  valor,  zeal,  and  zest, 
To  the  toil  that  bringeth  rest, 
Harmonizing  will  and  power — 
Hygiene,  forevermore. 


VA-LEDICTORY. 

[E.  B.  Holden's,  North  Clarendon,  Feb.,  1866.] 

HERE  fold  thy  wings,  0,  sweet-toned  harmony! 
Here  stand  on  guard  with  tireless  vigilance ; 
Hush  thou  each  lightest  word  that  bears  a  sting, 
And  crush  th'  ungenerous  thought  ere  it  spring 

forth. 

Sing  of  the  daily,  hourly,  glorious  power 
Self-conquest  brings,  for  show'ring  blessedness 
Till  every  weary  pilgrim  leaves  this  shrine, 
E'en  as  do  I,  with  music  in  the  soul, 
Of  grateful  happiness  and  reverent  joy. 

. 


• 

t «;• 


139 


"HOW  FAR  FROM  HOME?" 

"  How  far  from  home  ?  "  I  asked,  as  on 

I  sadly  toiled.     The  watchman  spake, 
"  The  long,  dark  night  is  almost  gone, 

The  morning  soon  will  break; 
Then  weep  no  more,  but  speed  thy  flight, 

With  Hope's  bright  star  thy  guiding  ray — 
Bright  glimpses  of  the  realms  of  light 

Bespeak  the  dawning  day." 

Yon  blissful  land  of  beings  bright, 

Who  passed  before  o'er  Death's  dark  tide, 
Is  drawing  near  to  the  raptured  sight — 

The  portals  open  wide. 
No  more  we  weep  beside  the  tomb, 

With  breaking  heart  and  rayless  wo ; 
They  come  and  chase  away  the  gloom, 

And  Heaven  begins  below. 


141 


They  tell  us  of  a  Father's  care, 

Safe  guiding  o'er  the  weary  way, 
Of  all  the  blessedness  we'll  share 

When  night  is  lost  in  day ; 
Of  sighs  to  songs  of  gladness  turned, 

Of  happiness  without  alloy, 
Of  all  that  we  have  missed  and  mourned 

Returned  to  crown  our  joy 

They  beckon  us  to  a  higher  plane 

Where  Truth's  bright  fountains  gurgle  free, 
They  pledge  our  efforts  to  sustain, 

Our  weary  hearts  to  stay. 
At  every  conquest  we  achieve 

O'er  Error's  rule,  o'er  doubt  and  fear, 
Bright  chaplets  of  delight  they  weave, 

And  crown  the  victor  here. 

They  touch  the  soul  with  a  love  divine, 

Whose  radiance  gildeth  all  of  earth, 
Evoking  worship  at  the  shrine 

Of  human  weal  and  worth. 
And  when  the  spirit  robes  anew, 

And  flings  the  mortal  part  away, 
Their  timbrels  echo  ether  through, 

"This  is  Ascension  Day." 


- 

. 

WE'VE  BEEN  ROAMING. 

WE'VE  been  roaming,  we've  been  roaming 

Where  Elysiau  breezes  blow, 
And  we're  coming,  0,  we're  coming, 

Dear  Earth-friends,  to  blend  with  you. 
We  are  coming,  0,  we're  coming, 

In  our  robes  of  pearly  white, 
•Crowned  with  gems  of  haloed  brightness, 

All  too  gorgeous  for  your  sight. 

We  are  coming,  0,  we're  coming, 

Bringing,  chalices  of  bliss; 
Ye  who  grope  amid  the  gloaming, 

Quaff,  and  thrill  with  happiness. 
We  are  coming,  0,  we're  coming — 

Shut  us  not  without  the  gate ! 
Hidden  through  the  weary  ages 

Evermore — 0,  must  we  wait  ? 

142 


We  are  coming,  0,  we're  coming ; 

Mother,  clasp  your  petted  child, 
Father,  fold  your  death-hid  darling 

In  embraces  undefiled. 
Child,  receive  your  Angel  mother, 

Blessing  with  her  boundless  love ; 
Reverent  greet  the  sainted  father, 

All  his  wealth  parental  prove. 

We  are  coming,  0,  we're  coming ; 

Glad  rejoice,  poor  widowed  heart — 
This  great  love  shall  still  sustain  you ; 

Death  can  never  bid  us  part. 
We  are  coming,  0,  we're  coming ; 

Husbands,  open  wide  your  arms 
To  the  forms  that  still  would  nestle 

Closely  with  their  spirit  charms. 

We  are  coming,  0,  we're  coming 

From  the  bloody  battle  field- 
Welcome  us  with  grateful  greeting, 

Though  from  earth-sight  long  concealed. 
We  are  coming,  0,  we're  coming , 

Brothers,  sisters,  dearest  friends — 
Agents — peace,  and  joy,  and  gladness, 

To  your  hearts  the  Father  sends. 


144 

We  are  coming,  0,  we're  coming, 

Flooding  all  the  place  with  light — 
Ye  who  droop  amid  the  gloaming, 

Could  ye  catch  the  gorgeous  sight, 
Ye  would  thrill  with  bliss  ecstatic, 

Thrill  with  faith,  and  hope,  and  love ! 
Thrill  to  the  entrancing  musin 

Floating  from  the  spheres  above. 


FOR  MRS.  DICKERMAN. 

A  QUIET  plant  called  heartsease, 

Sprang  from  a  rocky  bed ; 
Nettles,  and  thorns,  and  thriving  weeds, 

By  the  same  nurture  fed. 
Decked  with  no  gaudy  tinting, 

Seeking  no  loud  applause, 
The  superficial  and  the  vain 

Made  there  no  fawning  pause. 
But  the  rich  of  thought,  the  soul-ful 

Oft  gathered  of  its  balm, 
For  sweetly  to  the  troubled  breast 

It  brought  a  holy  calm. 
Still  yearning  for  the  sunlight, 

It  struggled  with  the  gloom, 
Wounded,  and  crushed,  and  shadowed  o'er, 

Bathed  in  its  own  perfume. 
Yet  deep  the  roots  were  striking, 

And  wide  the  branches  spread, 
Till  one  by  one  each  noxious  plant 

Withdrew  its  frowning  head. 

7  145 


146 

Till  one  by  one  life's  trials, 

Its  heartaches,  and  its  woes, 
Transmuted  into  good  became, 

And  patience  won  repose. 
Then  crowned  with  well  earned  glory, 

Its  worth  grew  manifest, 
And  with  the  glowing  beams  of  light 

So  famished  for,  'twas  blest. 
For  thus  true  worth  e'er  triumphs, 

Though  often  long  obscured, 
And  oft  through  tribulation  brought 

In  silence  meek,  endured. 
Brighter,  and  brighter  growing, 

More  blessing  and  more  graced 
Till  meet  for  higher  fields  than  these 

In  Angel  garlands  placed  : 
Yet  left  behind  a  fragrance 

So  true,  and  wide,  and  dear, 
That  poets  sing,  and  sages  praise, 

And  noble  souls  revere. 
0,  say  not  this  is  overwrought ! 

For  earth  is  not  so  fully  blest 
With  tender  spirits,  true  and  kind, 

That  too  great  praise  can  be  expressed. 
O,  could  you  know  how  sweet  to  me 

Has  been  your  sympathy  and  aid ! 


147 


How  hungered  and  how  thirsted  for, 

You'd  feel  the  half  has  not  been  said. 
I've  something  seen,  and  felt,  and  known, 

Of  human  nature — of  the  world, 
And  Oh !  how  rare  is  generous  trust 

Bestowed  upon  the  wronged,  and  hurled 
Down  from  the  height  by  effort  gained 

The  sinned  against  must  bear  the  ban, 
The  sinner  pass  along  unscathed; 

Such  is  the  way  with  erring  man. 
But  you,  unselfish,  never  pause 

To  ask,  "What  will  the  people  say?" 
Or,  "What  advantage  shall  I  gain 

By  the  seeming  kindness  of  to-day." 
But  do  the  good  for  its  own  sake, 

And  love  the  right,  however  crushed ; 
Then  let  me  speak !  my  grateful  heart 

Would  swell  to  bursting,  were  it  hushed. 
Like  the  joyous  gleams  of  a  pleasant  dream, 

Kind  friend,  dear  friend  of  youth's  bright 
est  hours, 
The  scenes  of  our  earthly  mingling  seem, 

As  I  wander  away  in  the  spirit  bowers ; 
And  the  same  old  ties  that  bound  us  then, 

Oft  gently  draw  me  to  thy  side, 
E'en  in  the  busy  haunts  of  men ; 

And  when  thy  lonely  moments  glide, 


148 

I  mark  thy  sadness,  count  thy  sighs, 

And  whisper  thoughts  of  promise  rare, — 
Gaze  tenderly  into  thine  eyes, 

And  strive  to  share  each  crushing  care. 
I  count  thy  treasures  o'er  and  o'er, 

Of  kindest  feelings  inly  stored — 
Their  wasted  sweetness  still  deplore, 

And  counsel  thee,  dispense  the  hoard ; 
Fling  out  thy  sympathies,  and  share 

Thy  thoughts,  emotions,  joy  and  grief, 
And  thus  dispel  corroding  care, 

And  from  each  sorrow  find  relief. 
Like  a  crown  of  light — like  a  sunny  ray, 

Thou  art  encircled  round  and  round 
By  the  love  of  those  who've  passed  away, 

Who  a  resting  place  in  thy  warm  heart 

found : 
But  not  fully,  yet,  can  spirit  leal 

Supply  thy  nature's  just  demands — 
The  mortal  for  the  mortal  feel, 

And  earthly  hands  seek  earthly  hands. 
Then  be  thyself!  be  gently  true 

To  thy  own  sense  of  rightful  need, 
Till  Happiness  like  pearly  dew 

Refresh  thee  with  her  sweetest  meed. 


"HERE  AM  I." 

[CONSECRATION.] 

LOVED  spirits  gone  before, 

Waiting  our  souls  to  bless, 
Striving  to  lift  the  door 

To  light  and  happiness ; 
With  gratitude  I  thrill 

For  all  ye've  done  for  me, 
And  to  your  holy  will 
I  would  an  offering  be. 

My  self-hood  I  present 

Unto  your  free  control ; 
Make  it  an  instrument 

To  bless  each  weary  soul — 
I've  heard  with  bounding  heart 

The  Macedonian  cry, 
And  my  whole  being  leaps  response, 
Blest  spirits,  "Here  am  I." 

I've  drank  the  bitterest  dregs 

Of  Life's  too  bitter  cup — 
I've  tasted  dumb  despair, 

I've  yielded  all  of  hope, 


loO 


I've  suffered,  suffered — till 

When  sorrowing  mortals  sigh, 
A  sympathetic  thrill 
Fills  me  with  agony. 

And  Oh!  I  long  for  power 
To  wipe  away  each  tear, 
To  fill  the  darkened  mind 

With  thoughts  of  hope  and  cheer ; 
0,  essence  all  Divine, 

Pervade  me  from  on  high, 
A  passive  temple  I  would  be, 
Pure  spirits,  "Here  am  I." 


Teach  me  how  to  believe 

With  all  my  wayward  heart, 
Teach  me  how  to  receive, 

Teach  me  how  to  impart ; 
Teach  me  just  how  to  be 
Your  fittest,  ablest  aid; 
Teach  Truth's  bright  lore  to  me, 
Without  one  erring  shade. 
Teach  me  to  waft  away 

The  darkness  from  the  earth, 
To  give  each  glorious  thought 
A  still  more  glorious  birth ; 


151 

Oh  !  teach  me  all  God's  will, 

An  eager  pupil  I ; 
My  empty  cup  ye're  pledged  to  fill, 

Sweet  spirits,  "  Here  am  I." 

What  though  I  bear  the  cross  ? 

What  though  the  thorns  I  wear? 
What  though  to  bleeding  feet 

The  way  be  rough  and  bare  ? 
What  though  I  feel  the  scorn 

Of  a  misjudging  world  ? 
Though  from  each  place  of  trust 
I  am  in  anger  hurled  ? 

Oh !  I  accept  the  boon 

With  sweetest,  purest  bliss — 
Accept  it  as  the  pledge 

Of  future  happiness — 
Accept  it  all  elate 

With  grateful,  holy  joy, 
May  I  Truth's  herald  only  be, 
Bright  spirits,  "  Here  am  I." 


BID   THEM   GOD    SPEED. 

STRONG  of  purpose,  high  in  aiming, 

Firm  in  deeds  of  noble  daring, 
In  the  cause  of  every  human 

Sacrificing  and  forbearing. 
Fanned  by  soul-inspiring  breezes, 

Cheered  by  gushing  rills  and  fountains, 
Taught  by  nature's  thrilling  voices 

'Mong  the  Heavenward  towering  mountains, 
Wounded  in  the  thorny  byeways, 

Find  we  many  a  child  of  sorrow ; 
Still  imploring  strength  to  labor 

For  Truth's  glorious,  hast'ning  morrow; 
Crying,  "Angels,  blessed  Angels ! 

Lift  me  higher !  Lift  me  higher ! 
Count  me  meet  to  wake  the  music 

Of  the  wondrous  Human  Lyre  ! 
Till  a  glad'ning  oratorio 

Rings  through  all  the  sad  abidings 
Of  the  souls  not  yet  enlightened 

By  your  gospel  of  Glad  Tidings." 


153 

Then  we  lead  them,  meekly  trustful, 

Out  where  untuned  hearts  await  them, 
Bid  them  "God  Speed"  on  their  mission: 

As  our  agents,  kindly  greet  them. 
Meet  them  with  a  generous  trusting, 

With  a  balm  for  every  sorrow, 
With  a  whispered  word  of  promise, 

Telling  of  a  glad  to-morrow ; 
And  we  will  return  the  favor 

With  a  rich  baptismal  blessing, 
Wafted  from  our  plane  of  brightness, 

Elevating  and  impressing, 
Whatsoe'er  of  ruth  ye  mete  them, 

Whatsoe'er  of  loving  aid, 
We  will  be  your  able  debtors 

Till  the  utmost  be  repaid. 
We— a  Hopper,  Fry,  or  Howard ; 

We — the  lovers  of  all  mortals, 
Bringing  wealth  beyond  computing, 

Richest  treasures  from  Heaven's  portals ; 
Zealous  to  be  counteracting 

Every  deadly  stain  of  error 
Shadowing  erst  the  bowers  of  earth-life 

With  Distrusting's  gloomy  terror. 


HATTIE    MARCY. 

MERIDEN,  CONN. 

FAST  by  her  beautiful  child, 

Panting  its  sweet  life  away, 
A  mother,  with  agony  wild, 
Sat  the  long  terrible  day, 
Shivering  at  every  pang, 

Tortured  by  every  moan, 
While  a  wo-laden  cry  to  the  all- Father  sprang, 
"Swift!  send  us  some  child  of  your  own, 

To  soften  this  terrible  pain, 

To  bring  to  my  darling  relief- 
Swift  !   or  she  ne'er  breathe  again — 

Swift!  or  I  perish  with  grief." 
Soft  on  the  door  fell  a  hand, 

Meekly  a  stranger  drew  near — 
"Who's  ill  ?  I  am  sent  by  my  guardian  band 
With  healing — I  think  it  is  here." 

154 


HATTIE    MAPCY 


155 


"Pardon  my  looks" — with  a  smile^ — 
"I  came  in  such  haste  at  your  call, 
Doubting  the  summons  the  while, 

Doubting  if  welcome  at  all." 
"  Welcome  ?  I  prayed  for  you  so ! 
Welcome  ?  my  Angel  is  saved ! 
At  your  touch  the  hoarse  breathing  grows  gen 
tle  and  low ; 
By  your  hand,  lo!  the  heaving  relieved." 

Heaven  be  my  witness !  henceforth 
My  love  shall  enhalo  your  life, 

My  lips  shall  speak  loud  of  your  worth, 
My  strength  shall  be  yours  in  the  strife." 

Doubting  ones,  withered  by  scorn, 

Gain  strength  by  this  fact  as  ye  read ; 
Such  is  the  life-plane  to  which  ye  are  born 

Thank  Heaven  for  the  glorious  meed. 


BE  'TRUE. 

BE  true  to  thyself!  to  the  spirit  within  thee, 

That  -speaks  of  Humanity,  Mercy,  and  Love, 
Let  the  teachings  of  Reason  and  Equity  win 

thee; 

Society's  idols  soar  proudly  above. 
Be  true  to  thyself!  never  yield  to  another 
The  birthright  thy  God  hath  bestowed  upon 

thee; 
For  thyself  thou  must  answer,  and  not  for  thy 

brother ; 
Turn  within  for  a  guide,   then  be  faithful 

and  free. 

Be  true  to  thyself !  never  fear  the  ordeal ! 
Like  gold  well  refined  thou  shalt  come  from 

the  fire ; 
Bear  firmly  the  standard !    the  soul's  bright 

ideal 

Shall  rise  as  thou "  soarest,  still  higher  and 
hiher. 


157 

Be  true  to  thyself!  never  yield  to  a  master 
The  thought  or  the  faith  which  thy  spirit 

approves ; 
The  wheels  of  true  progress  roll  faster  and 

faster, 
And  thou  must  pass   onward  to  aid  as  it 

moves. 

Be  true  to  thyself !  never  shrinking  affrighted, 
Though  slander  assail  thee  and  ignorance 

frown ; 

Trim  freshly  thy  light,  and  at  length  the  be 
nighted 
Shall  rejoice  in  the  brightness  so  faithfully 

shown. 

Be  true  to  thyself!  and  the  firmer  and  bolder 
Thou  battiest  for  freedom,  the  greater  thy 

sway; 

Thou'lt  compel  the  esteem  of  the  cringing  be 
holder, 

Though  he  hate  thee  for  bringing  his  dark 
ness  to  day. 

Be  true  to  thyself!  e'en  though  all  should  for 
sake  thee, 

Triumphant  at  last  thou'lt  the  victory  gain ; 
And,  won  by  thy  zeal,  many  strive  to  o'ertake 

thee, 
Who  now  to  their  erring  thou  lea  vest  with  pain, 


158 

Be  true  to  thyself!  boundless  seas  spread  be 
fore  thee, 
Of  thought,  and  of  knowledge,  untraversed 

by  man ; 
Give  thy  sails  to  the  breeze,  waiting  spirits 

implore  thee, 
That  new  realms  of  beauty  thy  vision  may 

scan. 

Be  true  to  thyself!  when  the  high  ones  im 
press  thee, 

And  bright  gems  of  thought  shall  thy  recom 
pense  be ; 
The  present  may  martyr,  the  future  will  bless 

thee 
And  crown  thee  a  saviour,  the  brave  and  the 

free. 

Be  true  to  thyself!  thy  reward  shall  be  cer 
tain, 
Though   doubting   and   fearing   discourage 

thee  now; 
When  from  thy  grand  future  is  rolled  the  dark 

curtain, 
Thou'lt  bless  the  firm  purpose  that  guided 

thee  through. 

Be  true  to  thyself !  lo !   the  golden  aurora 
Of  millenial  dawning  enhaloes  thy  soul ; 


159 

Let  the  mantle  of  martyrs  and  heroes  enfold 

thee,  * 

They  are  smiling  the  welcome  to  a  glorious 

goal. 

Be  true  to  thyself!  from  the  bliss  of  Elysian 
iDescendeth  entrancing  baptisms  for  thee  ; 
The  songs  of  the  blesse'd  shall  thrill  thy  earth 

prison, 

And  glimpses  of  Eden  thy  recompense  be. 
Be  true  to  thyself !  and  when  fully  victorious 
The  voice  of  the  indwelling  Judge  shall  be 

heard : 
"Well  done,  good  and  faithful,  thy  labors  are 

glorious ; 

Come  higher,  up  higher,  and  claim  thy  re 
ward. 

Come  higher,  up  higher,  not  vain  one  endeavor, 
Each  trial  a  blessing- shall  prove  unto  thee ; 
Come  higher,  up  higher,  forever  and  ever, 
Thy  existence  a  gush  of  thanksgiving  shall 
be." 


HEALING  INSTITUTE. 

• 

I  SEE  a  sylvan  glade  of  greenest  green, 
Diversified  by  glim'ring  glade  and  sheen ; 
The  glorious,  grand,  green  mountain's  rugged 

arms 

Enfolding  fondly  its  choice,  cherished  charms. 
Frost  fretted  fountains,  deep  in  dazzling  dish, 
Bedew  with  diamond  drops  betinted  fish ; 
The  brightness  broken  lest  too  bright  to  last, 
As  shrub  and  shade  tree  shim'ring  shadows 

cast. 
Bright  beauteous  blossoms,  crowning  cultured 

care, 

Delicious  fruitage,  luscious,  rich  and  rare ; 
Brisk,  blithesome  bees,  with  drowsy  humming 

roam, 

Collecting  courtly  comfits  for  the  comb. 
Serenely  smiling,  on  a  sunny  side 
Gleam  glad'ning  glimpses  of  a  garden  wide, 
Where  ever-varying  viands  thriving  wait 

The  most  fastidious  tastes  to  suit  and  sate ; 

160 


llll 

Make-merry  fowls,  multiform  and  multihued, 
Their  dainties  add,  with  multikeyed  interlude ; 
Full  flashing  farther  o'er  the  pleasant  plain, 
The  wavy  wealth  of  glistening,  golden  grain ; 
Behind,  beyond,  bedecking  dale  and  dell, 
Majestic  maples  tales  of  sweetness  tell, 
In  stately  calmness,  waiting  to  outpour 
Their  rich-juiced  life   blood  for  the  common 

store. 

Below,  all  blandly  bask  the  lowing  kine, 
Sedately  toiling  till  the  day  decline, 
For  the  foaming  pail,  the  crisp  and  cooling 

cream, 

The  fine,  firm  butter,  and  the  mellow  cheese  ; 
Completing  thus  an  epicurean  dream, 
To  feast  the  fancy  and  the  palate  please. 
Deep-eyed  Divine,  o'erguarding,  deign  disclose 
O'er  whom  this  Eden  its  enchantment  throws ; 
The  vision  brightens !   In  that  fairy  nest 
The  rare  proportions  of  a  mansion  rest- 
A  palace  planned  with  Love's  consummate  skill, 
A  sheltering  haven  for  the  homeless  ill, 
Where  all  that  yields  relief  the  suff'rer  finds 
Through  the  munificence  of  noble  minds; 
The  invigorating  bath,  the  easy  chair, 
The  fresh,  elastic  couch,  the  balmy  air 


162 


Gauged  through  the  summer  heat  and  wintry 

cold, 

By  ice,  and  furnace,  faithfully  controlled. 
Painting  and  sculpture,  music  and  the  muse, 
Hist'ry  and  science,  lustre  interfuse ; 
And  lo !  without,  the  swing  and  saddled  steed, 
Athletic  games,  too  oft  unheeded  need. 
Couch-cushioned  coaches  weave  a  dreamy  spell, 
So,  too,  the  lake-let's  undulating  swell. 
O'erlooking  all  with  Love  divinest  care, 
Bright  angel  forms  their  batteries  prepare  ; 
Directing  those  they  in  their  wisdom  choose, 
Health,  strength  of   form  and  mind  best  to 

diffuse 

Puissant  agents  of  their  healing  powers — 
0,  noble  band !  a  holy  calling  yours ! 
This  is  the  Christ-boon ;  to  remove  disease 
And  bid  gaunt-  suff 'ring  yield  to  blissful  ease ; 
This  is  religion,  pure  and  undefiled, 
To  crown  with  blessings  every  sad  earth-child. 
Thus,  and  thus  only,  can  sins  be  forgiven, 
Supplanting  painful  hell  by  peaceful  heaven  ; 
Brightening  yet  more !  0,  what  a  view  appears, 
What  motley  groups,  repairing  wrongs  of  years. 
The  lame,  the  blind,  infirm,  and  sick  of  heart, 
The  widow,  orphan,  foundling,  form  a  part 


163 


Nay,  scarce  an  ill  of  body,  or  of  mind, 
But  in  this  home,  "sweet  home,"  a  solace  find, 
And  all  unite  in  earnest,  grand  endeavor, 
To  enrich  the  fane,  in  blessing  blest  forever — 
0,  tell  me,  pure  one,  with  the  radiant  hair, 
What  shadows  forth  this  vision  wondrous  fair  ? 
She  speaks,  and,  0,  the  melody  of  words ! 
Liquid  as  notes  of  those  embowered  birds ! 
u  These  are  the  treasures,  safe  laid  up  in  Heaven 
By  those  to  whom  true  faith  and  love  are  given, 
This  the  religion,  worship,  prayers  and  creeds, 
Of  those  believing  not  in  forms,  but  deeds. 
Love  wrought  cathedral !  anthems  hence  arise, 
Grander  than  organ-tones  to  the  smiling  skies; 
Thanksgiving  songs  for  happiness  returned 
To    those    who   weary   years    have    hopeless 

mourned, 

Glad,  grateful  gushes,  echoing  o'er  the  plains, 
Harmonious  blending  with  angelic  strains. 
On  this  great  monument,  defying  time, 
Come,  write  your  name !  'twill  ever  tower  sub 
lime, 

Telling  for  ages,  o'er  and  o'er  again: 
'  Here  labored  those  who  loved  their  fellow  men, 
Who  soared  above  life's  feebler,  grosser  aims, 
And  lo !    what  lustre  crowns   their  hallowed 
names.' 


104 

"Wouldst  plant  a  milestone  on  this  favored  day, 
To  prove  your  progress  in  the  upward  way? 
A  milestone  wreathed  in  laurels — sacred  shrine, 
Where  the  worn  spirit  may  in  peace  recline  ? 
With  this  sweet  solace  soothing  every  pain, 
Frail  child  of  earth,  thou  hast  not  lived  in  vain  ? 
Rouse  to  the  work !  celestials  the  ideal 
Present  that  you  may  make  the  vision  real- 
Rouse  to  the  work !   your  labors  shall  be  glo 
rious, 

And  o'er  opposing  forces  e'er  victorious ! 
Rouse  to  th«  work!   0,  never  be  it  spoken, 
That  blessed  of  Angels,  ye  have  reared  no 

token 
To  prove  to  a  creed-cursed  world  the  heavenly 

favor —  * 

Rouse  to  the  work  !  and  live  in  fame  forever ! 


"A  LITTLE  CHILD  SHALL  LEAD  THEM." 

COME,  children,  sit  with  me  awhile, 

We'll  shut  out  worldly  care ; 
And  try  to  learn  of  Wisdom's  ways, 

And  lift  the  heart  in  prayer. 
Lilly,  sweet,  come  here  to  me, 

I  fear  you  were  at  play ; 
I'm  grieved  to  see  your  mirthfulness ! 

'Tis  the  holy  Sabbath  day. 
What  if  the  Lord  should  strike  you  dead ! 

You  know  He  gave  commands 
To  have  the  man  who  gathered  sticks 

Stoned  by  the  people's  hands. 

Lillie : 

'  0  !  that  was  dreadful !   dreadful !  ma, 

Perhaps  it  was  so  cold 
His  babies  cried  for  food  and  fire !  " 

(How  dare  you  be  so  bold!) 
'Well,  I  can't  see  what  harm  it  was ; 
The  Lord  works  just  the  same. 

165 


166 

The  breezes,  birds,  and  bees,  sing  on, 
And  showers  this  morning  came." 

0,  put  away  those  wicked  thoughts ! 

Be  quiet,  and  be  grave  ; 
I  want  to  talk  to  you  of  God, 

And  Him  who  died  to  save 
Your  precious  soul  from  burning  flames 

And  take  it  home  to  Heaven, 
Where  golden  harps,  and  glittering  crowns, 

To  all  the  good  are  given. 

Lillie : 

"And  am  I  not  some  good,  ma'ma  ? 

I  love  you — love  you  so  ? 
And  wish  so  much  you  would  be  pleased 

With  all  I  say  and  do?" 

Alas !  my  child,  your  heart  is  filled 

With  enmity  to  God ! 
Unless  in  Jesus  you  believe 

You'll  fall  beneath  the  rod. 

Lillie : 

"What?  hate  our  Heavenly  Father,  ma, 

Who  made  this  world  so  bright  ? 
And  Jesus,  who  loved  little  ones  ? 
I'm  sure  you  can't  be  right." 


167 

The  heart  is  so  deceitful,  love, 

By  nature  all  depraved, 
We  must  the  earth-love  sacrifice, 

Or  we  can  not  be  saved. 

Jennie : 

"  It  seems  so  very  strange  to  me ! 

God  made  us  all,  you  say, 
And  everything  so  beautiful, 

His  glory  to  display ; 
And  when  He'd  made  things  as  He  pleased, 

What  glory  there  could  be 
In  burning  all  the  beauties  up, 

Is  more  than  I  can  see. 
Why,  I  should  think  'twould  honor  Him, 

His  splendid  gifts  to  love, 
And  to  be  happy  as  we  could 

Our  gratitude  would  prove." 

But  He's  a  jealous  God,  you  know, 

And  wanteth  all  the  heart; 
And  if  you  love  the  world  too  well, 

Will  speak  that  dread  "  depart." 
0  !  how  I  agonize  in  prayer, 

That  I  may  faithful  prove 
In  teaching  you  God's  will  and  way, 

That  we  may  meet  above. 


168 


Wallie: 

"  But  the  children  who  have  got  no  ma 

To  pray  for  them,  and  tell 
Of  the  Bible,  and  of  Jesus  Christ, 

Must  they  go  right  to  Hell  ?  " 

How  can  they  be  from  sin  set  free  ? 

For  how  can  they  believe 
On  Him  of  whom  they  never  heard,    . 

Forgiveness  to  receive  ? 

Wallie : 
"But  if  I  did  not  mind  you,  ma, 

Because  I  did  not  know, 
You  would  not  be  so  hard  with  me, 
But  7ms,  and  let  me  go." 

Lillie : 

"And  if  the  others  should  be  good, 

And  I  a  naughty  one, 
Could  they  be  happy  up  in  Heaven, 
While  I  must  burn  and  moan  ? 

Jennie : 

No,  never,  mother — Golden  crowns, 

Or  pearls,  or  precious  stones, 
Could  never  hide  that  haunting  sight, 
No  songs  shut  out  the  groans. 


169 

No  Heaven  could  have  a  charm  for  me 
That  shut  one  sad  one  out, 

And  God's  love  must  be  greater  far, 
And  fold  us  all  about." 

My  children,  these  rebellious  thoughts 

Come  from  the  evil  one ; 
You  must  be  reconciled  to  God, 

And  say,  "  Thy  will  be  done  !  " 
E'en  though  he  slay,  and  cast  to  hell, 

Yourself,  and  all  you  love, 
Or  you  will  never  be  prepared 

To  see  his  face  above. 
So  fearfully  his  anger  burns 

'Gainst  Eve  and  all  her  suite, 
For  listening  to  the  devil  and 

Eating  forbidden  fruit. 

Wallie : 
"Who  made  the  devil?  did  not  God? 

/  would  not  let  him  run 
Round  loose,  a  making  such  a  muss, 

And  spoiling  all  the  fun !  " 


0,  darling,  don't !  'tis  blasphemy ; 
ho 

.a 


Such  thoughts  forever  hush. 


170 

"  Shall  the  thing  formed,  its  maker  ask, 
Why  hast  thou  made  me  thus  ?  " 

0 !  think  of  his  surpassing  love, 
To  send  his  only  son 

To  save  us,  and  undo  the  work 

The  devil  had  begun. 

Jennie : 

"And  should  you  call  it  love,  ma'ma, 

If  father  made  at  will 
Some  horrid  engine,  knowing  it 

Would  half  my  sisters  kill  ? 
And  then  our  little  brother  send 

In  obstructing  it  to  die, 
Because  she  was  not  wise  enough 

Unharmed  to  pass  it  by  ?  " 

How  can  you  doubt  God's  holy  word? 

O,  sinful,  sinful  child ! 
So  young,  and  such  depravity ! 

You'll  drive  your  mother  wild. 
'Twill  never  do  to  reason  on 

The  Truths  God  has  revealed; 
'Tis  only  by  unquestioning  faith 

The  righteous  will  be  sealed. 


171 

Jennie : 

"  But  why  did  God  our  reason  give, 

If  thinking  is  a  sin  ? 
/  did  not  put  these  skeptic  thoughts 

My  troubled  brain  within ; 
And  I  can  find  no  righteous  ones — 

I've  weighed  them  far  and  wide, 
And  find  more  pharisees  than  saints, 

Less  charity  than  pride." 

• 
0 !  'tis  the  same  old  serpent,  still 

Bewildering  with  guile  ; 
Pray  earnestly  that  God  may  help 
You  overcome  the  wile. 

Jennie : 

"  But  when  I  pray  how  can  I  tell 

Which  answers,  God  or  devil, 
Since  reasoning  is  forbidden  me, 
And  ihinking  is  an  evil?  " 

God's  holy  word  will  tell  you,  child, 

His  wisdom  will  direct, 
And  if  you  perish  in  His  wrath, 

'Tis  through  your  own  neglect. 


172 


Jennie : 

"And  did  not  all  those  men,  mama, 

Take  the  Bible  for  their  guide, 
Who  got  so  angry  o'er  their  creeds, 

And  said  each  other  lied. 
Now  if  it  is  so  very  plain, 

And  his  spirit  guideth  all, 
How  can  they  differ  so  in  mind, 

The  great  as  well  as  small ; 
And  if  those  men  so  learned  and  wise, 

Those  saints  of  many  prayers, 
Get  so  deceived,  (all  can't  be  right,) 

With  those  long  heads  of  theirs, 
How  can  I  hope  to  learn  the  truth, 

And  strike  the  narrow  way 
That  leads  to  life  ?  since  one  mistep 

Will  lead  me  quite  astray. 
I  wish  the  Lord  would  talk  to  me, 

Or  send  the  Angels  down, 
As  oft  he  did  in  olden  time, 

To  make  his  pleasure  known." 

0  !  you  forget,  my  wayward  child, 
The  words  that  Jesus  said, 

"If  Moses  and  the  prophets  fail, 
'Twere  vain  to  raise  the  dead. 


173 

The  book  is  closed,  the  words  are  sealed, 

Who  taketh  from  or  adds 
Will  from  the  book  of  life  be  torn, 

While  God  mocks  and  derides. 

Jennie : 

"  And  are  the  Heavens  more  distant,  ma, 

The  Angels  grown  less  kind  ? 
And  God  forgetful  of  his  works, 

To  leave  us  all  so  blind  ? 
Because  we've  had  a  feast  to-day, 

Shall  we  never  need  again 
Fresh  food  and  drink  to  satisfy 

New  needs  that  come  to  men?" 

Such  cavillings  are  wicked,  child, 

And  prove  the  Bible  true ; 
The  natural  heart  is  enmity, 

And  must  be  born  anew. 

Jennie : 

"  I've  often  heard  you  pray  to  God 

To  give  me  a  new  heart, 
And  since  you  say  he  answers  prayer, 

Why  don't  the  old  one  start? 
But  science  demonstrates  to  us 

That  the  form,  and  size  of  brain, 


174 

Makes  people  what  they  are — must  that 

Likewise  be  born  again? 
If  it  is  not,  a  new  made  heart 

Would  make  me  none  the  better ; 
And  if  it  is,  'tis  some  one  else; 

Another  person  set  there. 
I  think  I'd  choose  to  be  myself, 

And  do  the  best  I  can, 
And  neither  give  up  head,  or  heart, 

At  the  call  of  priestly  man." 

My  children  all !  in  love  with  sin ! 

With  mocking  feelings  filled, 
Do  you  forget  the  forty  bears 

That  wicked  children  killed? 

Lillie : 

"  What  do  we  do  so  very  bad? 

We're  fond,  and  kind,  and  true, 
I'm  sure  we  try  to  please  you  all 
The  very  best  we  know." 

Good  works  will  never  save  you,  child, 

'Tis  faith  in  Jesus'  blood, 
And  with  the  heart,  might,  mind  and  strength 

To  love  and  worship  God. 


Lillie : 

"  And  should  I  be  unkind  to  you, 

Or  strike  my  little  brother, 
Would  Jesus'  blood  save  him  the  pain, 

And  save  me  all  the  bother? 
Or  should  I  steal  from  Nellie  Gray 

The  toys  she  loves  so  well, 
And  then  to  hide  the  cruel  deed 

A  naughty  story  tell — 
•Would  Jesus'  blood  return  them,  ma, 

And  prove  the  falsehood  true  ? 
Undo  the  wrong,  and  make  all  right, 

No  matter  what  I  do  ?  " 

But  if  you  love  the  Lord,  my  dear, 
You  will  not,  can  not  sin ; 

The  unclean  spirit  roeth  out, 
Religion  enters  in. 

"  And  so  we  do  love  everything 
That's  beautiful  and  good ; 

But  such  a  God  as  that,  mama, 
I'm  sure  /  never  could — 

A  being  great  and  wise  enough 
To  fill  us  all  with  bliss, 


176 


Yet  sending  us,  for  ignorance, 

To  Hadez  dread  abyss. 
Not  for  reform,  or  any  good 

To  God,  or  man,  or  devil, 
But  to  show  his  power,  and  feast  revenge 

Upon  the  fiendish  revel. 
Mother,  forgive  these  bold,  bold  words, 

I  know  not  whence  they  come ; 
They  seem  to  gush  with  golden  glow 

From  some  illumined  dome. 
A  dome  so  bright  that,  dearest  ma, 

Your  faith  grows  dark  as  night, 
And  Angel  hands  are  leading  on 

To  that  entrancing  light. 
They  gaze  with  grieving  tenderness 

Upon  your  dark,  sad  heart, 
And  long  the  bliss  of  brighter  faith 

Should  healing  balm  impart. 
You  grieve  lest  those  who've  gone  before 

Have  failed  to  enter  heaven — 
You  shiver  with  continual  fear 

Lest  no  white  robes  be  given 
To  those  so  precious  to  your  sight, 

And  thus  in  keenest  pain 
You  travel  o'er  the  thorny  ways 

Of  Error's  dark  domain. 


177 

O,  mother!  darling,  turn  within, 

And  from  the  holy  deeps 
Of  matchless  tenderness  you  feel, 

Judge  of  the  power  that  keeps 
The  boundless,  bounteous,  beautiful 

Creation  all  attuned 
To  waves  of  sweetest  harmony, 
When  once  the  key-note's  learned. 
And  all  that  grieves  and  tortures  here, 

But  leads  to  purer  bliss, 
Lifting  us  higher,  higher  still, 

To  perfect  happiness. 
0,  mother !  could  you  only  hear 

The  melody  divine 
That's  floating  from  yon  love-lit  sphere, 

No  more  would  you  repine  ; 
But  op'ning  all  your  raptured  soul 

To  every  sad  earth-child, 
And  culturing  all  the  beauties  there 

With  heaven-born  kindness  filled — 
No  more  the  artless  innocence 

Of  youth  would  seem  a  sin ; 
The  demon,  Error,  would  depart, 

And  Truth  abide  within." 

Go,  darlings,  leave  me  now,  awhile, 
We'll  talk  another  day. 
8* 


178 

0 !  can  it  be  a  blind,  dark  faith 

Has  led  me  thus  astray  ? 
Their  artless  queries  baffle  me, 

Their  sweet  words  thrill  me  through ; 
May  it  not  be  their  guileless  souls 

Come  nearest  to  the  true  ? 
Whence  comes  this  untaught  eloquence? 
•     Is  it  because  they  stand 
Nearer  the  glorious  Infinite  ? 

Nearer  the  Angel  band? 
O,  weary  years  of  dread  and  fear! 

Of  sacrifice  and  pain! 
I  fling  your  fetters  to  the  winds, 

I  will  not  doubt  again ! 
A  dark,  dark  veil  seems  rent  in  twain, 

And  joy -beams  from  above 
Come  flooding  restful  radiance 

From  the  great  fount  of  love. 
0 !  childhood  bringeth  straight  from'  God 

Rare  diadems  of  Truth! 
And  wiser  than  the  oldest  schools 

Is  the  inwrought  trust  of  youth. 


BENEDICTION. 

WHILE  ye  mingle  together  here, 

Waiting  the  birth  of  beauty, 
Strive  each  the  other  to  bless  and  cheer, 

'Tis  but  a  sacred  duty. 
Link  heart  and  spirit  with  firmest  grasp, 

'Twill  lighten  every  burden, 
And  culminate  in  a  sweeter  clasp 

When  ye  meet  beyond  life's  guerdon. 
Pluck  out  the  least  root  of  bitterness, 

The  last  wounding  hatchet  cover, 
Mingle  and  blend  in  sympathies, 

Loving  and  loved  forever, 
Forgive  and  forget !  forgive  and  forget ! 

All  but  each  winning  merit ; 
And  should  defects  arouse  regret, 

Smother  it,  crush  it,  bear  it. 
Ye'll  need  no  keys  St.  Peter  bears 

To  unlock  the  gates  of  Heaven, 
For  lo !  'tis  yours  all  unawares, 

When  this  sweet  spirit's  given. 


179 


180 


0,  friends  of  earth !  were  all  the  blest 

To  join  in  a  benediction, 
Still,  e'er  were  this  the  brightest,  best, 

"  Let  love  be  the  source  of  action  ! 
Revealing  itself  in  kindly  deeds, 

In  gentle  words,  forbearing, 
In  cheering  smiles,  supplying  needs, 

In  scattering  joys  unsparing ; 
Loving  the  right,  and  truth,  and  worth, 

The  lofty  and  the  lowly- 
Ay!  every  denizen  of  earth 

With  tenderness  most  holy, 
'Till  Goodness,  in  its  triumph  hour, 

On  heights  sublime  enthrone  you, 
And  Love  Divine,  with  its  fullest  power, 

Unite,  ennoble,  crown  you. 


"GOING,   GOING." 

GOING,  going — away  from  your  kindness, 

Away  from  this  favored  retreat, 
Where  the  days  have  so  happily  glided 

In  a  mingling  of  sympathies  sweet ; 
Where  I've  fathomed  the  depths  of  true  feeling, 

And  joyed  in  congenial  regard, 
Where  has  gurgled  the  heart's  hidden  fountains 

That  for  long  weary  years  were  unstirred. 
I've  rejoiced  in  the  gleaming  of  morning, 

I've  welcomed  the  footfall  of  eve, 
I  have  hailed  with  delight  every  coming, 

I  have  grieved  when  too  soon  I  must  leave ; 
I  have  cherished  each  word  that  was  spoken, 

I  have  thrilled  with  the  glance  and  the  tone, 
And  0 !  must  I  pass  like  a  shadow, 

Unmissed,  unregretted,  when  gone? 
Nay !  think  when  ye're  glowing  with  gladness, 

How  my  heart  in  your  joy  would  delight, 
And  when  ye  are  burdened  with  sadness, 

How  eager  I'd  strive  with  my  might 


182 


To  chase  from  each  spirit  its  shadow, 

And  woo  the  sweet  sunshine  again. 
Ah !  yes,  hold  me  fast  in  affection, 

And  I  will  be  strong  in  my  pain  ; 
Ay !  strong  'mid  the  heart  crushing  sorrow 

Of  mem'ries  too  bitter  for  words — 
Of  the  dark  years  of  fruitless  despairing, 

Of  the  wrongs  that  no  respite  affords. 
Ay !  strong  to  go  forth  to  my  labors, 

O'erfraught  with  their  burden  of  care, 
And  strong  in  the  hope  of  reunion, 

With  our  barks  safely  moored  "over  there." 
"  Oyer  there,"  where  hope's  smilings  deceive 
not, 

Where  the  hungering  spirit  is  fed, 
And  more  than  our  fancy-taught  vision, 

Shall  bless  us  as  upward  we're  led. 


LITTLE   SISTER. 

WE  will  sing  thee  a  song,  little  sister, 

Of  the  cherubs  that  oft  with  us  roam ; 
Of  the  bright  little  band  of  dear  Angels 

That  gladden  our  beautiful  home — 
That  win  from  us  smiles  of  admiring, 

That  weave  for  us  garlands  of  bliss; 
We  will  tell  thee  what  renders  them  lovely, 

We  will  teach  thee  the  ch'arm,  it  is  this — 
'Their  souls  are  brim-full  of  affection, 

Their  faces  bedimpled  with  smiles, 
Their  lips  murmur  fond  words  of  kindness, 

Their  eyes  speak  the  joy  that  beguiles. 
And  this  is  the  study  and  labor 

That  renders  them  ever  so  fair, 
To  make  every  spirit  more  happy, 

Every  blessing  with  others  to  share. 
We  bring  them  to  thee,  little  sister, 

Never  drive  them  away  with  a  frown ; 


188 


184 


Be  gentle,  be  kind,  true  and  loving, 

And  we'll  weave  thee  a  beautiful  crown 

Like  theirs,  gemmed  with  fondest  affection, 
Like  theirs,  glowing  happily  bright; 

And  we1!!  lead  thee  safe  over  life's  trials, 
To  a  home  in  our  mansion  of  light. 


WEARY. 

ANGELS  !  I  am  weary, 

Fold  me  in  your  arms, 
Save  me  from  Life's  sorrows, 

Shield  me  from  Earth's  harms. 
Earth  seems  shorn  of  beauty, 

Life  hath  lost  its-  zest, 
Those  I  loved  have  left  me — • 

How  I  long  for  rest! 

Angels,  I  am  weary ! 

I  have  labored  long, 
Wrought  with  earnest  workers, 

Striven  with  the  strong, 
Buffeted  the  billows, 

Want  and  care  oppressed, 
Mocked  by  keen-eyed  malice — 

How  I  long  for  rest ! 


185 


186 

Angels,  I  am  weary ! 

Of  this  wearing  load  ; 
Must  I  fall  exhausted 

By  the  rugged  road  ? 
Wounded  by  the  archers, 

On  ethereal  breast, 
In  a  dreamless  slumber — 

How  I  long  for  rest ! 

"Rouse  thee!  mortal,  rouse  thee! 

Earth  hath  sorest  need 
Of  each  earnest  worker ! 

There  are  hearts  that  bleed, 
Souls  afaint  with  hunger, 

Spirits  parched  with  thirst — 
Deadly  Error's  lurking 

Fetters  to  be  burst." 

"  Rouse  thee !  mortal,  rouse  thee ! 

Lo,  the  summer  sun 
Never  faints  or  falters ! 

His  work  is  never  done ; 
Flooding  forth  his  brightness 

Far  above  the  storm, 
Dauntless,  though  the  cloud-heap 

Hide  his  glorious  form." 


187 

"  Eouse  thee !  mortal,  rouse  thee ! 

Mark  his  patient  trust, 
While  his  warmth  is  scoffed  at 

By  the  wintry  Frost ; 
Knowing  Spring's  sweet  verdure, 

Summer's  bud  and  bloom, 
Autumn's  golden  fruitage, 

At  his  bidding  come." 

• 

"Rouse  thee  !  mortal,  rouse  thee! 

Be  thou  like  the  sun! 
Soaring  o'er  the  shadows, 

Love-toil  never  done ; 
Strong  arms  shall  up-bear  thee ! 

Be  in  blessing,  blest — 
Fervid,  noble  effort, 

Is  the  grandest  rest." 

"Rouse  thee!  mortal,  rouse  thee! 

Lo !  the  harvest  field  is  white ! 
Thrusting  in  the  sickle, 

Garner  with  thy  might ; 
This  the  glad  fruition 

Of  thy  wearing  toil ; 
Thou  hast  sown  in  sorrow, 

Gather  in  the  spoil." 


SUNSHINE  AND  SHADOW. 

• 
SHEEN  and  shadow,  sheen  and  shadow, 

Joy,  and  care,  and  hope,  and  fear, 
Mark  the  varied  scenes  of  earth-life, 

Mark  the  flitting  of  the  year. 
Smile  and  tear,  and  grief  and  gladness, 

Swiftly  give  each  other  place, 
Yet  impressing  each  a  lesson, 

Needed  discipline  of  grace ; 
And  if  known  the  hidden  meaning, 

Sternest  trials  oft  are  best 
To  unfold  the  wealth  of  feeling 

Sleeping  in  the  tranquil  breast. 
Then  be  strong,  whatever  burden 

It  may  be  thy  lot  to  bear, 
For  life's  purest,  richest  sweetness, 

Falleth  freely  to  thy  share. 
Only,  like  the  brave  apostle, 

Rest  serene  in  love  divine, 

•      188 


189 


Murm'ring,  "None  of  these  things  move  me," 

Should  a  trial  hour  be  thine. 
Should  a  cloud  o'er  thy  horizon 

Chance  to  throw  a  dimming  veil, 
Lo !  the  sunshine  gleams  beyond  it — 

Faith,  Hope,  Love,  shall  never  fail. 


0!  WHAT  WILL  PEOPLE  SAY? 

IN  olden  times  they  worshipped  gods 

Of  iron,  wood,  and  clay, 
But  now  the  god  that's  worshipped  most 

Is — "what  will  people  say?" 
From  those  rude  forms  the  mind  was  raised 

To  the  orbs  that  deck  the  sky, 
Then  higher  still,  to  a  mammoth  man, 
.  On  a  golden  throne  so  high. 
They  spilled  the  blood,  and  burned  the  flesh, 

Of  heifer,  lamb,  and  dove, 
To  appease  his  wrath,  and  win  his  smile, 

And  gain  his  special  love. 
Then,  throwing  off  these  cruel  rites, 

As  the  mind  still  higher  soared, 
A  fearless  martyr  for  the  Truth 

Was  next  as  god  adored. 
Baptized  like  him  beneath  the  wave, 

To  feel  their  sins  forgiven, 
They  ate  his  flesh  and  drank  his  blood 

That  they  might  enter  Heaven. 
Then  finding  that  likewise  in  vain, 

They  put  the  form  away, 

190 


191 

But  yet,  alas  !  rose  not  above 

The — "  what  will  people  say  ?  " 
The  parson,  conning  creeds  and  prayers, 

Finds  many  a  doubtful  clause 
At  war  with  Reason,  Science,  Love, 

And  Nature's  perfect  laws ; 
And  longs  to  leave  the  beaten  track 

He  finds  so  dull  and  bare, 
And  speak  the  thoughts  that  swell  within, 

And  alUtheir  beauties  share 
With  those  who  look  to  him  for  light, 

Yet  leads  them  still  astray, 
For  should  he  doubt  the  "Father's"  faith, 

"  0  !  what  would  people  say  ? 
The  layman  listens  to  his  words, 

And  feels  their  lack  of  power ; 
Sees  in  the  distance  gleams  of  light, 

Beyond  the  clouds  that  lower ; 
And  longs  to  hasten  where  it  glows, 

And  tear  himself  away 
From  empty  teachings,  void  of  truth, 

But — "what  would  people  say? " 
The  doctor  turns  from  dusty  tomes, 

To  study  earth  and  air, 
To  trace  the  ills  of  mortal  life 

To  the  causes  that  impair ; 


192 

The  beauty,  strength,  and  harmony, 

Of  the  human  form,  divine, 
And  strikes  upon  some  new  idea — 

A  hidden,  golden  mine 
Of  thought  that  he  would  glad  reveal, 

And  fling  his  drugs  away, 
Commence  anew  on  nature's  track, 

But — "what  would  people  say?" 
The  man,  benevolent  and  kind, 

Beholds  the  suffering  poor,  • 

Would  gladly  lend  them  needed  aid 

From  his  more  bounteous  store; 
Curtailing  his  expenses,  e'en, 

And  making  less  display, 
To  benefit  humanity, 

But — "what  would  people  say?" 
The  lady  sees  the  widow's  tears, 

Oppressed  with  want  and  wo, 
And  thinks  how  many  things  she  buys 

That  she  could  well  forego ; 
Her  last  year's  hat  is  just  as  good, 

She'd  wear  it  still  and  pay 
The  money  to  the  widow,  but — 

"  0,  what  would  people  say?" 
She  wears  her  long  inflated  skirts 

With  weariness  and  care, 


193  • 

.nd  pays  the  longer  bills  they  make 

With  a  sigh,  perhaps  a  tear, 
And  meekly  from  the  side-walk  sweeps 

The  dampened  dust  away ; 
A  shorter  dress  she  knows  were  best, 

But — "what  would  people  say?" 
A  wronged  and  broken  hearted  one, 

Of  noble  soul  and  mind, 
Incurs  the  ban  of  social  life, 

And  ne'er  a  friend  can  find ; 
While  seeking  courage,  counsel,  aid, 

To  yet  regain  her  way, 
They'd  lend  a  hand,  with  all  the  heart, 

But — "what  would  people  say?" 
0,  potent  power !  with  iron  rod 

O'erruling  all  the  land, 
How  humbly  bows  the  knee  to  theo, 

How  feeble  is  the  hand 
That  would  uplift  its  puny  strength, 

Thy  mandates  to  resist ! 
The  highest,  haughtiest  ones  of  earth, 

Thy  garment's  hem  have  kissed, 
And  since  thou  art  so  powerful, 

O,  monarch  of  to-day  ! 
We  too  will  ask  in  all  we  do, 

"  0  !  what  will  people  say?" 

9 


"NEITHER  AWAKE  NOR  ASLEEP." 

"  WHAT  is  he  doing — the  mystical  man, 

Neither  awake  nor  asleep  ? 
And  this  strange  agitation — pray,  what  does  it 
mean, 

Impelling  to  laugh,  or  to  weep  ? 
Ne'er  since  we  lowered  our  Gracie  away 

Were  I  so  mightily  moved ! 
0,  were  the  "great  secret"  about  to  be  shown, 

And  blest  immortality  proved ! 
See — his  eyelids  are  closed,  and  how  pale,  0, 
how  pale — 

Do,  "  Father,"  step  softly  and  peep ; 
He  will  not  heed  it — the  mystical  man — 

Neither  awake  nor  asleep." 

"  0,  mother !  'tis  GRACIE'S  dear  semblance  com 
plete, 

For  which  you  incessantly  weep, 
Saved  to  our  hearts  by  this  mystical  man, 
Thanks  to  the  Powers  who  have  guided  his  pen, 
Neither  awake  nor  asleep," 

194 


GRACIE   ROBINSON. 


SUPPLICATION. 

BRING  these  mortals,  God  of  love, 

From  their  darkness  to  thy  light ; 
To  each  blinded  vision  prove 

All  thy  wisdom,  mercy,  might. 
Teach  them  thou  a  Father  art ! 

And  a  Mother's  tenderness 
Gushes  from  thy  boundless' heart, 

All  mankind  to  cheer  and  bless. 
Teach  them  thou  dost  cherish  all, 

Wilt  perfect  them  in  thy  love, 
Howe'er  weak,  or  low,  or  small, 

Guarded  by  the  hosts  above. 
Make  them  strong  to  conquer  self, 

Free  from  superstition's  chain, 
Free  from  love  of  hoarded  pelf, 

Free  to  roam  Truth's  broad  domain ; 
Free  from  grudging,  envy,  hate, 

Free  from  harsh,  accusing  strain, 


195 


196 


Free  from  Terror's  dark  estate, 

From  the  dreary  skeptic  pain. 
Teach  them  e'er  to  look  within 

For  the  Heaven  thy  love  ordains, 
And  its  blessedness  they'll  win 

When  soul  harmony  obtains 
Full  possession — perfect  rest- 
Equalizing  every  power, 
Grasping  all  love's  grand  behest, 

Glorious  in  its  triumph  hour. 
And  charity,  the  Christ- taught  boon, 

The  truthful  soul's  beatitude  ; 
Judging  and  condemning  none, 

Delighting  in  the  pure  and  good. 
0 !  from  form's  and  custom's  rule, 

From  the  fear  of  fellow  men, 
Free  them  through  experience  school, 

Though  each  step  be  marked  with  pain ; 
Show  them  thou  art  guiding  still 

In  the  paths  that  Angels  went, 
Through  the  lowly,  darksome  vale, 

Up  the  difficult  ascent, 
To  the  sacred  mountain's  height, 

Where  abides  the  brave  and  true, 
Where  in  brightness  dwelleth  light, 

Glorifying  all  below. 


197 

Where  each  grief  is  lost  in  bliss, 

Where  all  tears  to  nectar  turn — 
All  thy  goodness  pledgeth  this, 

Blest,  thrice  blessed,  they  that  mourn. 
Burst,  0,  burst  the  bigot's  bands, 

Strengthen  all  who  eager  wait, 
To  those  pure  Elysian  lands, 

Soaring  minds  to  guide  elate. 


ROSANA. 

LIKE  a  timid,  startled  fawn, 

Rosy  Anna,  Rosy  Anna, 
Trembles  when  our  power  is  shown, 

Rosy  Anna. 

Would  she  love  her  mother  less, 
For  a  richer,  brighter  dress  ? 
Would  she  turn  with  terror  cold, 
If  a  new  replace  the  old  ? 

Rosy  Anna? 

There's  naught  to  fright  thee,  naught  to  fear 

Rosy  Anna,  Rosy  Anna, 
Only  kindest  friends  are  near, 

Rosy  Anna. 

Friends  with  love  as  true  and  warm 
As  when  they  wore  the  dull  earth-form, 
Friends  who  seek  thy  happiness, 
Long  to  cheer,  and  guide,  and  bless, 

Rosy  Anna. 

• 

198 


199 

i 

'Mid  the  trial-scenes  of  life, 
Rosy  Anna,  Rosy  Anna, 

'Mid  the  darkness  and  the  strife, 
Rosy  Anna, 

Will  it  not  a  solace  prove 

To  feel  our  presence  and  our  love  ? 

0,  receive  us  when  we  come ! 

And  we'll  safely  bear  thee  home, 
Rosy  Anna. 


-THE  REJECTED. 

FROM  a  Time-crowned,  murky  mountain, 

Echoing  creed  and  faction's  din, 
Sprang  full  many  p,  tiny  fountain, 

Urged  by  restive  springs  within  ; 
Hearing  with  a  vague  commotion, 

With  a  struggling,  sweet  unrest, 
Thrilling  thunder-tones  of  Ocean, 

Calling  onward  to  her  breast. 
"  Scatter  wide  your  pearly  treasures ! 

Bless  the  earth — then  welcome  home ! " 
Still  in  grand,  commanding  measures, 

Sang  the  voices,  "Children,  come!" 
Strengthened  by  the  summer  showers, 

Dripping  from  glad  Angel-wings, 
Let  us  join  our  feeble  powers, 

And  be  mighty !  "  said  the  springs, 
"  Blending  as  a  band  of  brothers, 

Let  us  hasten  through  the  plain, 
Ever  gaining,  drawing  others, 

On,  majestic  to  the  main. 


200 


201 


Sails  of  Commerce,  white  with  duty, 

Grateful  hearts  and  eager  hands, 
Fertile  vales,  in  Eden  beauty, 

Wake  our  progress  to  the  strands." 
Thus,  aspiring,  joyous  dreamers ! 

Lo !  a  rainbow-tinted  spray 
Flung  aloft  its  hope-lit  streamers, 

Pencilled  by  the  dawning  day. 
But,  e'en  to  the  font  baptismal, 

Came  a  spirit  of  the  night 
Out  from  some  dark  cavern  dismal, 

Stalking  deftly  from  the  light ; 
Whispering  still  some  thought  suspicious, 

Passing  judgment  without  proof, 
Telling,  with  a  leer  malicious, 

"  Work  not  with  us !  stand  aloof! 
We  have  sprung  from  some  crowned-boulder 

Higher  up  the  mount  than  you ; 
We  are  holier  and  older, 

Ye  shall  have  no  work  to  do !  " 
Then  the  gurgling,  erst  so  joyous, 

Sank  into  a  tearful  wail, 
And  the  hope-hued  bow  of  promise 

Faded,  faded,  wan  and  pale  ; 
But  again  the  showers  of  summer, 

From  the  Angels,  cheered  the  rills, 

9* 


202 

And  each  love-ful  strengthening  comer 

Murmured,  "  Yonder,  o'er  the  hills, 
Many  pathways  to  the  Ocean, 

Many  fields  a  blessing  wait. 
Peace,  be  still  grief-thrilled  commotion, 

Justice  never  comes  too  late. 
Go  your  ways — a  stern  old  teacher — 

E'en  Experience  will  prove 
More  than  any  subtle  preacher; 

Who  hath  wisdom,  who  hath  love — 
And  the  Future,  with  precision, 

Holds  the  balance  just  and  true ; 
She  will  give  the  grand  decision, 

That  ye  had  a  work  to  do. 
Shrink  not,  faint  not,  if  rejected, 

So  was  once,  by  builders  blind, 
The  chief  corner-stone  neglected, 

Since  the  glory  of  mankind." 


FINALE. 

FAIRY  fingers — fairy  fingers — 

Deftly  weave  a  garland  fair ; 
Twine  it  richly — twine  it  rarely — 

Twine  it  with  a  tender  care ; 
Brightly  glowing — softly  gleaming, 

Coruscating  in  and  out- 
Grateful  love,  and  prayful  blessings, 

Wreathing  haloes  all  about. 

Shrine  it  where  the  heart  bows  lowest, 

Where  devotion  lingers  long ; 
Sacred  proof  of  inwrought  goodness, 

Shrine  it  with  triumphal  song. 
In  this  garland,  fondly  woven, 

Set  each  name  vouchsafed  to  me 
For  the  wafting  of  these  "Echoes" 

O'er  Earth's  heaving,  human  sea. 


203 


204 

Fashion  richly —  fashion  rarely — 

Rarest  coronet  of  gems, 
Flashing  gleams  of  purest  lustre, 

Dearest  of  all  diadems ; 
Every  generous  deed  of  kindness, 

Every  cheering  look  and  tone, 
Every  whispered  word  of  sweetness, 

Murmuring,  "Godspeed!  wanderer,  lone." 

Set  them  all,  0,  skilful  fingers ! 

Holily  and  highly  there; 
And  that  diadem,  forever, 

Gratitude  shall  proudly  bear ; 
Glorious  proof  that  goodness  reigneth 

Yet  within  us,  pure  and  free, 
And  of  Eden  much  remaineth 

In  Earth's  heaving,  human  sea. 

Not  one  smile  shall  be  forgotten, 

Not  one  word  of  kindness  lost ! 
No  sweet  deed  pass  unrewarded 

To  the  mystic  Lethean  coast. 
Blessings  on  ye,  generous  hearted ! 

Blessings,  blessings,  one  and  all! 
God,  exhale  my  life  in  blessings, 

O'er  broad  Earth  like  rain  to  fall ! 


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